The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released the 2022 Report to Congress on Supportive Services for Individuals with Autism. This report was requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations in House Report 117-96. It describes supportive services that, in addition to healthcare services, may be beneficial for improving outcomes for autistic individuals and their families. Autistic individuals can have complex medical, behavioral, educational, and social service needs. Because the combination and degree of characteristics can differ greatly from one individual to another and change over the lifespan, there are many diverse service needs across the autism community. These include, but are not limited to:
- Mental and Behavioral Health Interventions, Services and Supports
- Assistive Technology, Specialized Medical Equipment, and Associated Services and Training
- Technology-based Interventions and Supports Interventions
- Academic Services and Supports
- Occupational, Physical, and Sensory Integration Therapy
- Support, Social, and Community Groups
- Empowerment, Education, and Advocacy Training and Services
- Employment Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Job Coaching
- Family and Caregiver Supports
- Home and Community-Based Services and Supports
- Family/Systems Navigation
Link to view the full report.
