National Autism Association

09/04/2026

This April, the IACC passed recommendations on wandering and elopement. As soon as it hit the Secretary's desk, he partnered with DOJ and FEMA to create a National Autism Missing and Endangered Person Alert to ensure the public receives autism-specific search guidance immediately when someone with autism goes missing. . The IACC also passed recommendations on profound autism—ensuring those with the greatest support needs are adequately represented in policy and in research, and on Diagnostic Overshadowing—autistic people’s medical symptoms dismissed as “just autism”. HRSA built a nine-month technical-assistance plan around it, and CMS began carrying the recommendations to state Medicaid leadership. This is what progress looks like, and we are so grateful.

09/03/2026

Myths vs. Facts regarding the IACC Strategic Plan

A statement from NAA - please click and scroll to view.

09/02/2026

MAPS has been a longtime supporter of the National Autism Association, and we’re excited to share a new conference focusing specifically for autism parents and caregivers.

The MAPS Fall Parent Conference will take place September 12–13, 2026, in Philadelphia, with the full Sunday program also available by livestream.

The conference is designed to give families access to medically grounded education, experienced clinicians, practical information, Q&A, and conversations about the complex medical, neurological, immunological, and developmental issues that can affect autistic children. In-person attendees can also participate in Saturday evening small-group roundtables with MAPS experts.

🎟️ WIN A FREE TICKET!
Share this post and comment “SHARED” below for a chance to receive a complimentary ticket to the MAPS Parent Conference.

Giveaway deadline: Saturday at midnight ET
Winners announced: Sunday at 6 PM ET

💙 Need-based scholarships are now available for both virtual and in-person attendees. Scholarships cover conference registration only; recipients are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.

Scholarship application deadline: Saturday at midnight ET
Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/ParentScholarships

📍 Philadelphia, PA
📅 September 12–13, 2026
💻 In-person + virtual options

Learn more and register:
www.medmaps.org/events/fall2026-parent-conference/

09/02/2026

You may not be able to change the road, but no caregiver should have to travel it alone. 💙
What kind of support has made the biggest difference for you as a caregiver? Or give a shout-out to someone who has made your caregiving journey a little easier.

09/01/2026

💙 Hope can change everything.

The National Autism Association works every day to provide education, programs, and life-saving safety resources for families and professionals.
Together, we can make a difference.

💙

08/31/2026

HEARTBREAKING UPDATE: Saylor Hayes has been found deceased.

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 5-year-old Sailor Hayes was found Monday morning near the area where she was last seen.

Sailor had wandered away from the home her family was renting in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, on Sunday, prompting an extensive search by law enforcement, first responders and members of the community.

Our hearts are with Sailor’s family and all who loved her during this unimaginable loss. We are also deeply grateful to the first responders, search teams and community members who worked tirelessly to find her.

Please keep Sailor’s family in your thoughts and respect their privacy as they grieve.

Rest peacefully, Sailor. ❤️



“Here until we find her”….

South Carolina friends, please share.

A five-year-old girl has been missing all day. She has autism and is nonspeaking. Our thoughts are with this entire community, and especially her family as the search continues tonight.

‘Here until we find her’: Search for missing girl near Pawleys Island will continue overnight

08/30/2026

Just because someone can’t speak doesn’t mean they don’t understand. Let’s choose words that build up, not tear down. 💙

08/26/2026

From leash to lifesaver, dogs meet the community with loyalty, love, and lifesaving work. So, extra treats for our fur-besties today. Bonus belly rubs & nose boops. Happy National Dog Day! We love you. ❤️

08/25/2026

❗️ Disability does not end at the age of 18. ❗️ An important message from NAA board member, Dr. Kerry Magro 👏

08/24/2026

We can’t always see what someone’s nervous system is experiencing. Be patient. Be accommodating. Be compassionate. Always. 💙