Autism New Jersey’s Statement on Recent Federal Actions

A note to the New Jersey autism community:

Our community has always been resilient in the face of challenges.

When children with autism needed a place to be educated, their parents rallied to form special education classrooms and inclusion processes in their local school districts. When ABA therapy wasn’t widely covered by insurance, advocates and providers worked together to establish ABA as the national standard of care. When drivers with autism said they were anxious during traffic stops, a coalition of police officers, legislators, and families worked together to create autism-friendly law enforcement practices across the state.

Through it all, Autism New Jersey has been leading the way, by compassionately listening to families, relying on scientific evidence, and driving bipartisan conversations at the highest levels of state and federal government.

We’ve always worked together. We’ve always been there for each other.

Recent federal actions have been alarming to say the least: President Donald Trump signed an executive order to close the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), and there are legitimate concerns that Medicaid will be among the federal programs that will receive a large funding cut.

Of course, there are steps that must be taken before either becomes official: Congress would have to vote to both cut Medicaid and entirely dismantle the USDOE — and Autism New Jersey is following every legislative twist and turn.

As many of you are keenly aware, the dismantling of USDOE would likely have disastrous implications for education in New Jersey, particularly for students with disabilities. The USDOE ensures that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, has access to a fair and equitable education. School districts, which rely on federal funding to support students with disabilities, would be further challenged to provide legally mandated services.

Similarly, Medicaid recipients, including approximately 25,000 individuals in New Jersey with developmental disabilities who depend on home and community-based services, would be at risk of losing access to essential care. For many in our state, especially in rural or economically disadvantaged communities, Medicaid is the only means of access to essential healthcare services. Cuts to Medicaid would not only affect the health of individuals but would also increase financial strain on healthcare providers who already serve a large number of low-income patients.

Autism New Jersey adamantly stands against these measures and reasserts our core mission: to create a state where individuals with autism thrive in their communities while receiving the highest-level of education and healthcare available.

We continue to stand firmly by your side, fighting for the very therapies, education, and medical treatments that keep many individuals with autism safe.

We aren’t going anywhere.

Consider joining us in the following ways:

1. Tell your story. Email your Congressional representatives (two Senators and one representative) and cc us at publicpolicy@autismnj.org. Tell them why the USDOE and Medicaid are important for you, your family and your community. (Find out who your representatives are by visiting congress.gov)
2. Encourage others to do the same. Share this message with others who rely on these services and encourage them to contact their representatives, too.
3. Be a leader. April is Autism Acceptance month and there are numerous campaigns around the state to raise awareness and support. Consider organizing a bake sale, walk-a-thon, or other community activity through our Do-A-Thon initiative.

Unfortunately, these threats to education and Medicaid may be just the tip of the iceberg. We anticipate additional challenges to the autism community in the coming years — but our dedication to you is unwavering.

We’ll continue to update you on new developments as they arise.

Thank you for standing with us.

Respectfully,

Suzanne Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Executive Director
609.588.8200, x10042