President Trump is signing a bill to help children and adults with autism. The Autism CARES Act of 2019 provides one-point-eight billion dollars in funding over five years for research, early detection, and treatment. Republican New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith says the measure expands government programs to include older individuals "who were - and are - often misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed and overlooked."
Smith and Democratic Pennsylvania Representative Mike Doyle cosponsored the bill. The hallmark of the bill is support programs for families who have patients that “age out.” That occurs when the child turns 21 and generally the families are left on their own. This will provide additional programs for autistic adults to attend and funds to help families care for autistic adults who are unable to care for themselves.