Autism CARES Act of 2024

New Section 2 on NIH activities requires research across additional fields (psychiatry, psychology, developmental behavioral pediatrics, audiology, gerontology), mandates that research examine caregiver supports and reflect the full population including co-occurring conditions, and requires consultation with other federal departments.

New Section 4 allows HHS Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to states, tribes, localities, or territories on using Federal funding for evidence-based communication services, tools, and technologies for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, with an annual reporting requirement.

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee now required to develop a strategic plan for autism research including proposed budgetary requirements and recommendations to avoid duplication, plus submit annual updates on advances and biennial updates on the strategic plan.

NIH autism centers of excellence increased from 5 to 7, with gerontology added as an eligible field.

Intervention program requirements expanded to require multidisciplinary approach, experience with underserved populations, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and identification of opportunities to partner with community-based organizations.

New public input provision requires the NIH Director to provide means for the public to obtain information on existing and planned autism programs and to submit comments, plus guidance to centers on engaging individuals with autism and their families.

New budget estimate requirement: NIH Director must prepare and submit annual budget estimates for FY2026-2029 directly to the President for transmittal to Congress, after comment by HHS Secretary and the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.

Total authorization in subsection (c) of Section 399EE reduced from $341,000,000 to $306,000,000 per year for FY2025-2029 (a $35 million decrease).

Multiple instances of 'culturally competent' changed to 'culturally and linguistically appropriate' throughout the education and early detection provisions.

Report subsection heading changed from 'Health and Well-Being' to 'Mental Health Needs,' with corresponding content changes focusing on mental health outcomes, care coordination, and community-based services.

New report due 2 years after enactment examining the need for and feasibility of expanding developmental-behavioral pediatrician training programs.

New report due 2 years after enactment on young adults with autism transitioning from school-based services to adult services.

Capitalization of 'Indian Tribe' and 'Tribal organization' standardized throughout; 'screening tools' changed to 'screening and diagnostic tools'; 'at higher risk' changed to 'at increased likelihood.'