Autism groups give President-elect Obama their policy priorities

The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) reports that on Jan. 2, representatives from the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, Easter Seals, TASH, the Marino Foundation, Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America met with the Office of the President-Elect on Autism Policy.

ASAN presented its top three policy priorities for the coming year:

1) Supporting and Empowering autistic adults,
2) Ending School Abuse and Ensuring a Free and Appropriate Public Education for Every Student, and
3) Balancing the Research Agenda in Support of Quality of Life.

ASAN reports, that "although these are our top three priorities, they do not represent our only action items and we are pleased to report that the incoming administration expressed a strong interest in remaining in continuous contact on these and other issues. It is absolutely essential that we ensure that autistic self-advocates have a voice at the policy table and we will continue to keep you up to date as we advocate for the autistic community. Nothing About Us, Without Us!"