Americans for Autism Advocacy Statement on the 2024 United States Elections

Americans across the country went to the ballot box on November 5th to not just vote for their futures, but to send a loud and clear message to elected officials at the federal and state levels.

The results showed that ignoring the needs of the neurodiversity community carry costly consequences at the ballot box.  The change of party control in the United States House and Senate along with The White House indicates that Americans had enough with business as usual in Washington, D.C.  Come January 2025, the new Congress and President-Elect Trump must work together make life better for all neurodiverse Americans.  This can be achieved through increasing federal special education standards, reduce neurodiversity unemployment, and increase access to proven medical and psychological treatments.

Michigan and Minnesota were the most notable states to flip party control of their state House of Representatives last Tuesday from Democrat to Republican control. Seven state legislatures controlled by Democrats ended up losing a net share of seats.  Voters across the country made clear that they want to see their state legislatures act on critical issues such as professional licensing backlogs.  State lawmakers regardless of party affiliation must focus on professional licensing reform, improving special education standards, and improved access to mental health treatments when they are sworn in next year.