John Rice Carter: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act of…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act of 2024, which reauthorizes and strengthens the autism spectrum disorder initiative through 2029. The Autism CARES Act is the single most important driver of Federal investment in autism research and training programs over the past two decades. It has led to improvements in early intervention services, a better understanding of the prevalence of autism, and a better understanding of the co-occurring health conditions that autistic people experience. Importantly, it has also been responsible for thousands of future health professionals being trained on how to screen, diagnose, and provide interventions to autistic people and other individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities to improve their health and well-being. Thanks to the Autism CARES Act, many health professionals are better equipped to meet the ever-changing and diverse needs of autistic people and other people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. This bill will ensure ongoing support by NIH of research at institutions like the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta and the Georgia LEND program at Georgia State University. Located in my home State of Georgia within Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Marcus Autism Center is one of the largest organizations in the country that blends research on autism with providing clinical services for children on the autism spectrum and their families.…”