A brief summary of current issues and your chance to participate. Submitted by Connie Boyar, SF Autism Society Advocacy Chair The “Big Beautiful Bill”/ federal budget reconciliation bill will affect California DD system in several ways according to Disability Rights California. These cuts may be seen as early as July 2026 and likely after the…
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re making it easier than ever for our families to receive a lifetime America the Beautiful National Parks and Recreation Pass! A representative of the National Park Service will be present at our May 31, 2025 Spring Spectacular fundraiser to sign autism families up for a free, lifetime National Parks pass! Other passes require…
This post is adapted from an article I wrote before the CDC published their new autism report on April 15: https://autismloveandscience.substack.com/publish/post/161442763 On April 15, 2025, the CDC issued a new report on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among children born in two different years — 2014 and 2018. They report the prevalence for each of those…
Submitted by Ashwin Krishnan Statewide Autism and Medi-Cal/Medicaid Data Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Prevalence in California ○ 4.5% of 8-year-old children in California were identified with ASD in 2020, significantly higher than the 2.8% national average (https://www.kidsdata.org/). ○ 1 in 22 four-year-old children in California are on the autism spectrum (https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.go v/ncbddd/autism/data.html). ● Rising Demand…
Medicaid/ Medi-Cal budget cuts are likely real! Your action needed NOW Feb. 25, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by 1 vote a $880 billion budget cut, which may be taken from Medicaid. Medicaid funds half of Medi-Cal programs including your regional centers services. This proposal, which is fast tracked, now goes to the US…
Introducing SFASA Memberships! We’re excited to introduce SFASA annual memberships! Memberships are a great way to get more involved and to support the work we do making events, resources, and advocacy available for the entire Bay Area autism community! Memberships help us: Plan for the future Connect with our community and know how we’re doing…
(Article from flysfo.com.) SFO Opens First Sensory Room for Neurodivergent Travelers and Families Interactive space includes full-scale aircraft interior mock-up for pre-flight acclimation SAN FRANCISCO – December 16, 2024 – The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced the opening of its newest amenity: a Sensory Room specifically designed for Neurodiverse travelers and their families. This interactive room…
The following piece written by Jill Escher appeared in the Free Press on November 15, 2024: Trump, RFK, and the Autism Dilemma Kennedy and the president-elect are asking why more kids like mine are disabled by autism. They have the power to find real answers—and it’s not due to vaccines. Whatever you may think of…
In the coming weeks, SFASA will be providing informational workshops about Self-Determination Programs in California. Below is a primer to get you started. In California, the Self-Determination Program (SDP) offers intellectually disabled adults more control over their services and supports. This program allows participants to choose their service providers and develop personalized service plans to…
In this episode of Spectrum Stories, host Aarav Sharma, founder of Allyhq.ai and autism advocate, sits down with Gregory Nemitz, Vice President of the Autism Society of San Francisco. Aarav and Gregory share a personal and heartfelt discussion about Gregory’s journey raising his severely autistic son, Dylan, and the challenges and triumphs they have faced….