State autism service policies diverge as federal research funding grows under CARES Act

State-by-state service access varies

While federal autism research funding reaches historic levels, access to support services increasingly depends on geographic location. California maintained autism service funding in its final state budget following advocacy efforts. Meanwhile, North Carolina's new Medicaid rules implemented this month restrict telehealth options and prohibit out-of-state providers for autism services — changes that North Carolina Health News reports have raised concerns among families about maintaining consistent care. Behavioral Health Business notes these changes particularly affect rural areas where local providers are scarce, despite research showing telehealth can be effective for some autism interventions when properly implemented.

Minnesota reported 98% of autism service providers complied with its new licensing system, according to the Minnesota Reformer, though the long-term impact on service availability remains to be seen.

Federal research funding expands Congress allocated $400 million for autism research and program development in its FY2026 budget, as confirmed by Autism Speaks.

Federal research funding expands

Congress allocated $400 million for autism research and program development in its FY2026 budget, as confirmed by Autism Speaks. This accompanies the 2025 reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act, which provides $1.95 billion over five years primarily for research — maintaining bipartisan support for federal autism initiatives despite debates over Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.'s appointments to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.

The increased funding comes as autism identification rates continue rising, now affecting approximately 1 in 36 U.S. children according to CDC data. Researchers suggest this likely reflects a combination of broader diagnostic criteria, improved recognition (particularly among girls and people of color who were historically underdiagnosed), and possible other factors, as discussed in a 2023 epidemiological review.