Trump signs $1.8 billion autism funding bill

Erin Schumaker

President Donald Trump signed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (CARES) into law Monday, September 30, which allocates $1.8 billion in funding over the next five years to help people with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

"The problem of 'aging out' of services is a real hurdle every parent or caretaker of a child with autism inevitably faces," Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who sponsored the bill, said in a statement.

"All children grow up and become adults, and children with autism then lose their education services. But autism is a lifetime neurological disorder, and adults with autism continue to need their services."

The funding, which backs autism research and autism-related support programs, will also prioritize grants for rural and underserved areas.