Global Autism Act

Global Autism Act

This bill establishes the Global Autism Assistance Program within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support developing countries in addressing autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

To carry out this program, the USAID must designate at least two regions in developing countries that (1) need assistance addressing ASD, and (2) have sufficient familiarity with issues concerning ASD to make effective use of the program. The USAID must then award a grant to a nongovernmental organization with experience with ASD to implement the program.

The implementing organization must award grants to local service providers and other groups in the designated regions and offer specialized training for health and education professionals who treat or teach youth with ASD. The organization must also conduct (at biomedical conferences in the designated regions) training on interventions and strategies to improve the health and well-being of individuals with ASD for parents, health care professionals, and others who serve those with ASD.

Bill 117 HR 4160, also known as the Global Autism Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress with the aim of addressing the global impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The bill seeks to improve the lives of individuals with autism both domestically and internationally by promoting research, awareness, and access to services.

The Global Autism Act calls for the establishment of a Global Autism Coordinator within the Department of State to oversee and coordinate efforts related to autism on a global scale. This coordinator would work to promote research and data collection on autism prevalence, as well as facilitate the exchange of best practices and information among countries.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of autism, as well as improving access to services and support for individuals with autism and their families. It also highlights the need for collaboration between the United States and other countries to address the challenges faced by individuals with autism worldwide. Overall, the Global Autism Act aims to address the global impact of autism spectrum disorder by promoting research, awareness, and access to services on an international level. It underscores the importance of collaboration and cooperation between countries to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families.