Written By: Menachem Rephun, Communications Manager and Advocate
The State of Neurodiversity Policy In 2024
Our original article for #NeurodiversityPrideDay explored developing trends reshaping fair-wage employment, diversity, inclusion, and workplace accessibility for the neurodiverse community. Along with those trends, legislation and policies are underway at the state and federal levels to advance neurodiversity rights. In this article, we’ll highlight this year’s legislation supporting the neurodiverse community, and efforts to protect DEI for neurodiverse employees.
Protecting The Autism CARES Act in 2024
The CDC states that over 5 million Americans have autism spectrum disorder, including 1 in every 36 children. 2024 has seen many neurodiversity rights priorities added to the Autism CARES Act. This includes over $2 billion in authorized federal spending on training programs and autism research for the next five years. Other priorities include:
1). The creation of a new Autism Intervention Research Network for Communication Needs
2) making gerontology, or the study of the aging process, a focus of autism research
3) new language directing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director to ensure a more inclusive approach to autism research. Signed in 2006, the Autism CARES Act has resulted in a lower average autism diagnosis age. The legislation trains thousands of professionals and provides data on the prevalence of autism in children and adults.
Today, the Autism CARES Act is the most vital legislation supporting the autism community. It presents a coordinated federal response to dramatically rising autism diagnoses. In 2014, the law was reauthorized as the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act (P.L. 113-157). AutismSociety.org describes the Autism CARES Act as “the most comprehensive federal law addressing the urgent needs of the Autism community.” The bill’s sunset deadline of September 30, 2024 places the autism community at risk of losing the benefits it provides. As Votervoice.net writes, expanding these programs is not just a matter of policy. It is a necessity for countless people with autism and their families. The Autism CARES Act funds research into evidence-based interventions, education programs for pediatricians, and early identification programs to improve quality of life for people on the autism spectrum.
In an AutismSociety.org essay, writer Christopher Banks explains that a core strength of the Autism CARES Act is enhancing our understanding of autism. This holistic approach is crucial, as the challenges faced by individuals with Autism and their families evolve throughout their lifespan.” People on the autism spectrum deserve equal rights, full inclusion, and the same opportunities to succeed in employment and education. For those reasons, protecting the Autism CARES Act must be one of the top priorities in neurodiversity rights in 2024
Improving Legislation
In April of 2024, a House resolution recognized neurodiverse contributions in science, technology, the arts, medicine, and political leadership. the resolution acknowledges the importance of inclusion and support for neurodiverse individuals in society. In February, The NYS Department of Labor introduced a bill creating a voluntary training/certification program for employers to increase neurodiverse inclusion. The program would recognize the “advantages of neurodiversity and a neuro-inclusive workforce and workplace”. It would promote “success for the business or organization through creativity and innovation” as well. Employers would be encouraged to be more open to interviewing neurodiverse job applicants and considering them for appropriate positions in their company. NY Senate.gov reports that the current status of the bill is “in Assembly Committee”.
Efforts to Advance Neurodiverse Healthcare
Along with the Autism CARES Act, there are many other efforts to protect the rights of people who are neurodiverse. One organization making a difference is the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), a combat support agency in the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for collecting, analyzing, and distributing geospatial intelligence in support of national security. In 2020, NGA became the first federal agency to launch a neurodiversity pilot program focused on hiring people with autism. Federal News Network.com states that the program would change neurodiverse recruitment for federal roles. NGA has partnered with the nonprofit Melwood, and MITRE, a nonprofit managing federally funded research and development centers.
MITRE supports U.S. government agencies in aviation, defense, healthcare, and homeland security. In 2024, NGA plans to hire a new cohort of four-to-six neurodivergent individuals. This would broaden the pilot program into the “Accessing Diversity to Employ Professional Talent” program, or “ADEPT”. Gaining security clearance is critical for many federal jobs, yet challenging for many jobseekers with autism. Theresa Thomas is MITRE’s program lead for neurodiverse talent enablement. She believes a crucial aspect of NGA’s pilot program is training autistic individuals on what to expect from the security clearance process. That training could pave the way for qualified people on the autism spectrum to gain employment in federal positions.
This year, New York State advanced neurodiversity rights in healthcare. Many healthcare providers lack the education and training to help patients with autism, AutismNJ.org writes. The medical model of needing to ““cure” autism presents a major barrier. In April, Sen. Kevin Parker introduced Senate Bill S.5762, which redefines New York State’s approach to autism spectrum disorder. Some of the bill’s key points include:
1) Requiring health insurers to provide comprehensive coverage for the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of autism.
2) Redefining the definition of autism to ensure clarity and accuracy in diagnosis and treatment.
3) Establishing a program of tiered eligibility for services offered by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
4) Establishing the New York State Autism Council.
Parker says the bills are “lifelines for countless New Yorkers on the Autism Spectrum and their families.” The bills would mandate that pediatric care providers screen for autism, facilitating early intervention and support services. A registry would aid in locating individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, and dementia in the event of emergencies.
2024 saw progress in upholding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). In April, the Department of Justice published its final rules strengthening regulations for Title II of the ADA. The new provisions ensure that web content and mobile applications are fully accessible for people with disabilities. Blind individuals will be able to access information about public transportation on a city’s mobile app or website, and participating in university lectures online will be much easier for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Those with manual disabilities affecting their ability to use a mouse will have easier access to information about voter registration.
Full website accessibility is vital in connecting people with physical disabilities and neurodiversity with opportunities for fair-wage employment. The new DOJ rules will affect state/local government agencies, schools, and water and transportation authorities. Localities with over 50,000 people will have two years to make their websites compliant. Smaller areas will have three years.
All of the efforts we’ve outlined have the potential to truly make a difference for the neurodiverse community. 2024 has been productive in strengthening the Autism CARES Act, and improving inclusion in the workplace and protecting internet accessibility. Consistent advocacy and support will ensure the passage of legislation that can help the neurodiverse community.
