Join us in making positive changes for Maryland’s Autism community. Here you’ll find the latest bills, advocacy efforts, and ways to share your voice with state and local leaders.
Autism Society of America 2025 Advocacy Updates
From our Chief Executive Officer, Chris Banks:
We are deeply concerned of the ongoing rhetoric that undermines and demonizes the values of neurodiversity and inclusion. Beyond the funding threats, we are seeing ideological narratives shape responses to major events, fostering division and fear. This is dangerous, and we must remain committed to our shared humanity.
- A message from the Autism Society’s President Christopher Banks – February 2025 Capital Connection
- Statement regarding Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s statements at last week’s confirmation hearing
- (Related) Joint Statement on Autism and Vaccines
- ASA’s statement on the federal assistance spending freeze
Support Autism and Criminal Legal Bills in Maryland
The Autism Society of Maryland, the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake, and the Autism Society of America worked with Delegate Kaufman to introduce two bills in Maryland to support individuals with Autism as they interact with the criminal legal system. Please use this Action Alert Button to message your Delegates and Senators urging them to support these two important bills.
STATE ADVOCACY
2025 Events
Save our DD Services Rally
Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm
Location: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD, directly in front of the State House (100 Circle)
Information: If you have questions, please contact Chris Leacock, Government Affairs Specialist.
Thousands of Marylanders and their families rely on these essential supports, and our voices matter now more than ever.
Developmental Disabilities Day
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM
Virtual Livestream – Facebook Live
DD Disabilities Day in Annapolis is an opportunity for our community to make its voice heard with our state legislators!
While DD DAY registration is sold out for February 13th, you’ll still have the opportunity to watch a Livestream of the Event on the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition Facebook Page All materials for the event are available on the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council website. Join AUSOM for visits to elected officials the afternoon of February 13th! Email melissa.rosenberg@autismsocietymd.org.
Protect Medicaid
Urge Congress to Oppose Devastating Cuts!
Proposals to make drastic cuts to Medicaid funding are gaining momentum in Congress, threatening the health and well-being of millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and individuals with Autism and other disabilities. Cuts could come in many forms. These cuts would severely impact people with Autism and their families, eliminating access to essential health services and long-term services and supports. Current discussions are around a $2.5 trillion cut to Medicaid through work requirements and per capita caps. This would shift the funding of Medicaid onto the state.
Key Facts:
- Medicaid is the nation’s primary payer of long-term services and supports (LTSS), including home and community-based services (HCBS) that allow individuals to live in their communities instead of institutions.
- Medicaid and CHIP provide health coverage to nearly half of all U.S. children—over 37 million children rely on these programs.
- Medicaid serves over 17 million people with disabilities and older adults, including those with Autism, by covering critical services that most other insurance plans do not.
- Cutting Medicaid would dismantle this lifeline, jeopardizing care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Your Voice is Needed:
Contact your Representatives and Senators today! Urge them to stand against Medicaid cuts and prioritize funding that protects individuals with Autism, disabilities, and low-income families. Share your personal story to make an impact. CLICK to email and educate your representatives about the importance of Medicaid
**Join us on April 9th for a DAY ON THE HILL with visits to our Federal Representatives and Senators. For more information, email melissa.rosenberg@autismsocietymd.org.
Maryland State Budget Cuts
The Autism Society of Maryland is deeply concerned about the Maryland state budget proposal announced by Governor Wes Moore in January. This statement includes $200 million in cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration that the Autism community, especially adults with Autism, rely on. These cuts will undermine efforts to whittle down long waiting lists for services for people with Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, further adding to the strain on them and their caregivers. It also risks stalling efforts to address the crisis in hiring and retaining direct support professionals that individuals with Autism need to live independent and dignified lives. The measure of any society is how well it treats the most vulnerable in our midst. For too long, Maryland has fallen short in meeting the needs of the intellectual and development disability community.
Now is not the time to go back. CLICK HERE to reach out to legislators in your district at this link. Ask them to reverse these cuts and stay on course to sustain services.
2025 Proposed Bills
Support Criminal Justice Reform for People with Developmental Disabilities
The Autism Society of Maryland and Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake, in collaboration with the Autism Society of America, are advocating for crucial legislative changes to improve how our criminal justice system serves individuals with developmental disabilities.
Current Legislative Actions
Two important bills are currently active in the Maryland legislative session:
- House Bill 703 (sponsored by Delegate Kaufman)
- Senate Bill 507 (sponsored by Sen. Henson)
Why These Changes Matter
The Current Challenge
Under existing law, a person’s developmental disability can only be considered during sentencing – after they have already been found guilty or entered a guilty plea. This approach fails to account for how developmental disabilities may impact behavior and understanding from the very beginning of legal proceedings.
Proposed Solutions
1. Disability Consideration Bill (HB703/SB507)
This legislation would allow courts to consider developmental disabilities from the start of legal proceedings, aligning with ADA compliance requirements. Similar legislation has already been successfully implemented in Virginia and Kentucky.
2. Upcoming Diversion Bill
- A companion bill focusing on diversion programs is being drafted. This legislation would:
- Create alternatives to incarceration
- Provide specialized programs tailored to individuals with developmental disabilities
- Maintain accountability while offering rehabilitation pathways
- Address the unique challenges Autistic individuals face in correctional facilities
The Impact on Our Community
The need for reform is clear:
- By age 21, approximately 20% of youth with Autism have been questioned by police
- Nearly 5% have been arrested
- An estimated 25% of incarcerated individuals have Autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD)
- Many Autistic characteristics are frequently misinterpreted in legal settings
- Current prison conditions often lack appropriate accommodations and can lead to increased vulnerability
Take Action – Your support is crucial for these important reforms. We’ll continue to provide updates on hearings, developments, and ways you can help support these essential reforms.
WMAR NEWS HIGHLIGHT
'Not a get-out-of-jail-free card:' Should autism, other disabilities be considered in court?
Thank you to WMAR, reporter Elizabeth Worthington, and Delegate Aaron Kaufman for bringing attention to the important issue of autism in the criminal justice system. We encourage you to watch the coverage and take action by contacting your Delegates and Senators to support the proposed legislation. Watch the VIDEO HERE and TAKE ACTION HERE!
