Chris Smith: “Mr. Kratchman said: If you take your high school diploma at age 18, you automatically lose services from your school…”

“Mr. Kratchman said: If you take your high school diploma at age 18, you automatically lose services from your school district. Both individuals with autism--like Jonathan--and their parents find themselves confronted with almost unimaginable challenges, including loss of school, housing, and then they have job needs. {time} 1830 We are in the midst of a huge yet largely invisible crisis that begs serious focus and remedies. The Autism CARES Act tasks multiple Federal agencies to comprehensively study and report back to Congress on the special needs of autistic young adults and transitioning youth. Additionally, Chairman Upton and Chairman Pitts are in the process of requesting a comprehensive aging-out GAO report that will include key stakeholder involvement. Passage of this bill, Mr. Speaker, is an important investment in a very important special group of people who, along with their families, caregivers, and friends, face seemingly endless challenges and struggles. I strongly urge Members to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of H.R. 4631, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act of 2014--Autism CARES ACT of 2014. Mr.…”