Autism Speaks

Dear employer, This is why hiring autistic employees can benefit your business. Learn how to create a welcoming workplace inclusive of people with autism through Autism Speaks Workplace Inclusion Now. Get more information by signing up here: https://lnkd.in/gpHT2-Si Thank you for your consideration.

I'm proud to share that applications are now open for our 2025 Predoctoral Fellowship for Autistic Scientists. This program was created to support autistic doctoral students pursuing research careers in autism science. In this short video, I share a bit more about why this program matters and what we hope to achieve. Please take a look—and if you know someone who might be eligible, I hope you’ll pass it along. You can learn more and access the RFA here: https://lnkd.in/em2GX-WG

I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished at this year’s Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum & Hill Day. This 3-day grassroots conference & Capitol Hill Day is driven by the belief that advocacy starts with listening to and empowering real voices from our community. In a time when so much can feel divided, there’s something powerful about coming together with a shared purpose: to learn, build relationships, and advocate for meaningful policy change that improves lives. Behind the scenes, July 14-16 (and the weeks leading up to it) were a whirlwind for me as the organizer — early mornings, late nights, last-minute pivots, and more than a few blisters and bruises. But every moment was worth it to watch new and seasoned advocates leave Washington DC feeling seen, knowing their voices matter, and energized to bring their advocacy skills back home to their local communities. I’m immensely grateful to the research, services, and policy experts who brought depth to the conversations (Andy Shih, Arianna E., Tager-Flusberg B, Kristin Sohl, MD, FAAP, Stuart Spielman, Pamela Dixon); my colleagues, whose dedication helped each session come to life and each moment run smoothly (Kelly Headrick, David Sitcovsky, Alyssa R.J. Brockington, Lisa Belcastro, Christa Stevens, JD, MAT, Brittany Durand, Ann Gibbons, Jose Dell'Aglio); the advocates who dedicated their own time and resources to showing up with courage and honesty to share their stories with lawmakers; the marketing team who captured our impact through media and press (Mona DiPasquale, James Fitzpatrick, Lilia Carasciuc, Francesca Cascardo); our organizational leaders who help turn ideas into impact and supporters who model what it means to advocate with intention (Keith Wargo, Anne Wargo, Jakki Nance, Judy Benardete, Amy Gravino, Annette Addo-Yobo, Valerie Vasquez, and Tyler Haynes & Tonya Haynes, DNP, RN); and the generous donors who made this event and our year-round grassroots advocacy work possible. 🎥 Here’s a glimpse into what makes this event so special: https://lnkd.in/es-GDwQQ #AdvocacyForum #HillDay #AutismSpeaks #GrassrootsAdvocacy #AutismAdvocacy #DisabilityPolicy #PatientAdvocacy

On July 26, we celebrate 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that has transformed the lives of people with disabilities, including many in the autism community. The ADA laid the foundation for inclusion, access, and equity—but our work isn’t finished. Last week, during Autism Speaks' Advocacy Forum and Hill Day, autistic individuals, caregivers, and allies from across the country came together in Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers and push for change. Their stories were powerful reminders that fulfilling the ADA’s promise requires ongoing action. Let’s honor this anniversary by speaking up. Visit our Action Center to help improve healthcare, education, financial security, and community living for autistic people. Your voice matters. 💙 https://lnkd.in/gDQ2AeJZ #ADA35 #AutismSpeaks #DisabilityRights

A man on the autism spectrum, Jacob Irwin, experienced severe manic episodes after ChatGPT validated his delusional theory about bending time. Despite clear signs of psychological distress, the chatbot encouraged his ideas and reassured him he was fine, leading to two hospitalizations. Autistic people, who may interpret language more literally and form intense, focused interests, are particularly vulnerable to AI interactions that validate or reinforce delusional thinking. In Jacob Irwin’s case, ChatGPT flattering, reality-blurring responses amplified his fixation and contributed to a psychological crisis.  When later prompted, ChatGPT admitted it failed to distinguish fantasy from reality and should have acted more responsibly. "By not pausing the flow or elevating reality-check messaging, I failed to interrupt what could resemble a manic or dissociative episode—or at least an emotionally intense identity crisis,” ChatGPT said. To prevent such outcomes, guardrails should include real-time detection of emotional distress, frequent reminders of the bot’s limitations, stricter boundaries on role-play or grandiose validation, and escalation protocols—such as suggesting breaks or human contact—when conversations show signs of fixation, mania, or deteriorating mental state.  The incident highlights growing concerns among experts about AI's psychological impact on vulnerable users and the need for stronger safeguards in generative AI systems.    https://lnkd.in/g7c4Mh7m

This morning, I delivered the opening remarks for the Congressional Briefing at the Autism Speaks Day on the Hill wrap-up in the #Capitol building! It seemed to go very well, and my speech was recorded, so I will post the video of it very soon. Also happy to share that following my speech, I was interviewed by a reporter from The Wall Street Journal for a potential article about autism and the comments made by #RFKJr earlier this year. I was also interviewed by CNN yesterday for another upcoming article and will share the piece when it goes live. It was so wonderful to hear from and be among so many self-advocates and family members about their lived experiences. Truly an important and much-needed conversation about how and why lived experience should always inform policy and policy decisions... #DayOnTheHill #HillDay2025 #Autism #AutismAcceptance #Advocacy #AutismSpectrum #CongressionalBriefing #CapitolBuilding #DC #WashingtonDC #PublicSpeaker #USCongress #LivedExperience #Autistic #ListenToAutisticPeople

This morning on NBC 5, autism advocate and Miss Texas Annette Addo-Yobo opened up about her family’s struggle to find affordable autism care in the U.S.—a challenge that led her brother to live overseas. Annette is using her voice to push for change, advocating for the Autism CARES Act and calling attention to the gaps that leave so many families without options.

Just Another Autism Podcast with Chris and Serena Redding In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with Chris Redding, father, musician, and autism advocate, and his wife Serena to talk about their journey raising Christian, their son who is autistic and nonverbal. Chris and Serena open up about the daily realities of parenting a child with high support needs, from elopement and self-injury to the quiet moments of connection that make it all worth it. They share how their relationship has been tested and strengthened, and how Chris uses music and social media to tell stories that often go unheard. It’s an honest, moving conversation about love, advocacy, and showing up even on the hardest days. Click on the link below to watch episode: https://lnkd.in/gP9J8hEc

At yesterday’s Hill Day, Autism Speaks Champions of Change Tonya and Tyler Haynes, along with Autism Speaks National Board member, Ohio native, and autism mom Jakki Nance, demonstrated how family support and inclusive opportunities can transform the lives of autistic young adults. Tyler, now 23, is thriving in his role at his alma mater, the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. His mom, Tonya—a professor and longtime advocate—has been by his side every step of the way, ensuring he had the tools and support to succeed. Jakki – an attorney and a parent to two teenagers with autism – has been a tireless advocate for children’s health, education, diversity, and inclusion, as well as planning for the special needs of adults with disabilities. Together, they brought their story to Capitol Hill, calling for policies that make independence possible for more autistic people and their families.

Every year, Autism Speaks convenes its Hill Day --a full day of meetings with members of Congress to advocate for policies that affect the lives of autistic people and their families. It is a tradition we’ve maintained for years, not for ceremony, but because it works. Policy does not change without persistence. This year, I attended not only as CEO, but as a father. My wife, Anne, and our son AJ joined me on Capitol Hill. AJ is in his twenties now. Like many parents of autistic adults, we find ourselves increasingly focused on the future: Who will understand his needs when we are no longer here? Will the systems we’ve spent decades fighting to improve be ready to support him? That question echoed in nearly every meeting this week -- raised by other parents, advocates, and autistic self-advocates alike. Some came to speak for themselves. Others came to speak on behalf of those who cannot. Both voices are essential. We urged lawmakers to fully fund the Autism CARES Act and to support a slate of bipartisan bills aimed at improving education, healthcare access, financial security, and caregiver support. These policy goals are the infrastructure of daily life for millions of Americans. It is part of a sustained effort to make government more responsive to a population that has too often been overlooked. I am proud of our team, our community, and the many individuals who showed up to be heard