Representative Maria Salazar Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Support Parents of Children With Autism

Washington, D.C. — Last week, Representatives Maria Salazar (FL-27) Dave Min (CA-47), Grace Meng (NY-06) Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to support families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. 

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a pilot program that would award grants to nonprofits, community health centers, and hospitals for evidence-based caregiver skills training for family members of children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities.

“I’m proud to co-lead the Autism Family Caregivers Act, bipartisan legislation delivering essential support directly to the families who need it most,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “This pilot program equips caregivers in Florida’s 27th district and nationwide with critical skills to care for loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities. Strong caregivers build resilient families, and resilient families strengthen America.”

“Roughly one in thirty one children are diagnosed with autism in America,” said Rep. Min. “We need to provide parents with the tools and support to empower their children’s growth and development. Caregiver skill training is proven to help children with special needs flourish. We owe it to our kids to provide them with the resources they need to thrive.”

“Too many families navigating autism face the journey without the guidance and support they deserve. The Autism Family Caregivers Act takes direct action—delivering practical training through local organizations to help caregivers build skills, reduce stress, and improve outcomes for their children. I’ve been working with families and advocates across our PA-1 community who’ve made one thing clear: if we want better results, we have to better equip those doing the work at home. This bill answers that call—and I’m committed to driving it forward,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities deserve to have all the tools they need to reach their full potential in life,” said Rep. Grace Meng. “In order to make that possible, we must make sure caregivers are equipped with the training and support to provide the level of assistance each child needs. This bipartisan bill demonstrates our commitment in Congress to the dedicated caregivers who are giving endless amounts of time and energy toward helping their loved ones live full and complete lives. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this important bill.” 

“I'm pleased to co-lead the Autism Family Caregivers Act, important bipartisan legislation providing essential skills training to family caregivers of children with autism and developmental disabilities,” said Rep. Bacon. “This five-year pilot program will award grants to community organizations nationwide. Through evidence-based training, we'll help families better support their loved ones with improved communication, daily living skills, and behavior management.”

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, I am committed to empowering caregivers that serve children with autism,” said Rep. Cuellar. “I applaud my colleagues for working across the aisle to help introduce the bipartisan Autism Family Caregivers Act. This bill will train family caregivers using existing medical facilities and organizations to help improve the well-being of children with autism and developmental disabilities.”

“We’re grateful to Representatives David Min, Grace Meng, Brian Fitzpatrick, Henry Cuellar, Don Bacon, and Maria Salazar for reintroducing this important legislation,” said Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks. “Families have told us time and again how critical caregiver support and training are to their children’s growth and well-being. The Autism Family Caregivers Act responds to that need—bringing evidence-based skills training into communities across the country and helping to address disparities in access to care. Empowering caregivers ultimately means empowering autistic people to thrive.”

“Easterseals Southern California strongly supports the Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2025,” said Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Chief Clinical Officer of Easterseals Southern California. As one of the largest autism therapy service providers in the US, we see how caregiver training significantly improves the well-being of autistic children and their families. There are few evidence-based and demonstrated caregiver training programs, and the demand for training far surpasses the supply of resources. We are confident the benefits of autism family caregivers training will improve the lives of the children, families and communities where they reside. We support this bipartisan bill and applaud the cosponsors for addressing this healthcare void.”

“As a leading nonprofit organization with 25 years of experience serving Korean American families of children with Autism and related developmental disabilities, we wholeheartedly support Autism Family Caregiver Act of 2025," said Dr. Hyun Park, M.D. with the Korean Special Education Center (KASEC). “Through our work, we have seen firsthand many challenges of raising a child with disability and the importance of teaching culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies to improve wellbeing of children with developmental disability and their caregivers. This experience has reinforced our strong belief in the importance of caregiver training, making us especially excited about this bill’s potential to empower families, equip caregivers with essential skills, and create a lasting positive impact on children with autism and their communities.”

This bill is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Autism Speaks, Autism Society, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Chinese American Association for the Autistic Community, Community Inclusion & Development Alliance, Easterseals of Southern California, Easterseals, Inc., Family Voices, Korean American Special Education Center, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, and The Arc.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Grace Meng (NY-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Don Bacon (NE-02), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Lou Correa (CA-46), David Valadao (CA-22), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Eleanor Norton Holmes (DC-AL), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), John Mannion (NY-22), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Robert Garcia (CA-42).

Bill text can be found here.