World Autism Awareness Day, 2020

This proclamation designates April 2, 2020, as World Autism Awareness Day, calling on Americans to learn about autism signs, challenges, and support. It highlights existing administration efforts including the Autism CARES Act reauthorization, NIH research funding, Department of Labor apprenticeship programs, and HUD housing allocations for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 19375

Impact dates

Apr 2, 2020
World Autism Awareness Day proclaimed

Key directives

Proclaim April 2, 2020 as World Autism Awareness Day
Call upon all Americans to learn about signs of autism for early diagnosis
Call upon Americans to understand challenges faced by individuals with autism
Call upon Americans to find ways to support those with autism and their families

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation of April 2, 2020 as World Autism Awareness Day

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Autism CARES Act funding ($1.8 billion over 5 years from 2019)
Implementation of expanded Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee
NIH research on early ASD screening tools
DOL Youth Policy Development Center and Apprenticeship Inclusion Model expansion
HUD housing allocation utilization

Risks & tensions

Document describes already-enacted legislation and programs rather than creating new policy; actual binding effect is minimal
Funding figures cited reference past congressional appropriations and agency allocations, not new commitments triggered by this proclamation
Vague 'call upon' language lacks enforcement mechanism