Inside ABC’s Family Advocacy Trip to Capitol Hill to Advocate for Autism Care

Action Behavior Centers, a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is taking an active role in state and federal advocacy efforts to protect and expand access to autism services nationwide. 

In June, ABC’s Family Advocacy team traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional offices, working alongside local policymakers to support equitable funding and keep ABA therapy available without disruption.

A Trip to Capitol Hill

Bryan Davey, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy at Action Behavior Centers, and Jonna Lang, Family Advocacy Manager, traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the following congressional offices: 

• David Steury from the office of Representative Diana DeGette
• Cameron Morra from the office of Representative Morgan Griffith
• Leigh Ann Fairley from the office of Representative Richard Hudson
• Anna McCollough from the office of Representative Erin Houchin
• Liam Schmidt from the office of Representative Diana Harshbarger
• Vanessa Baker from the office of Representative Lori Trahan
• Katherine Phillips from the office of Representative Mark Kelly

The conversations gave the Family Advocacy team a chance to share information about ABA therapy, discuss the practical needs of families raising autistic children, and highlight the policy decisions that affect how families access medically necessary autism services. 

“Autism advocacy is such an important part of our mission at ABC,” said Lang. “Every conversation with a legislative office is a chance to share what families are experiencing and help shape decisions that support the care they need.”

Those conversations also touched on why treatment intensity matters. The Council of Autism Service Providers' (CASP) Generally Accepted Standards of Care for ABA treatment recommend starting therapy as early as possible and setting comprehensive goals that address language, play, imitation, and other skills foundational to independence. Intensity is central to that guidance: autistic children should receive an average of 30–40 hours of direct early intervention per week for two or more years, with care that stays individualized and responsive to each family's culture and needs, and goals shaped in partnership between families and providers throughout treatment.¹

A Commitment to Families and The Future of Autism Care

Through coordinated advocacy efforts, Action Behavior Centers’ Family Advocacy team continues to champion policies that help protect children’s access to autism therapy, support families who depend on Medicaid, and strengthen the ABA provider network.

“Our mission has always extended beyond the walls of our centers,” said Dr. Davey. “The ABC Family Advocacy team is here to make sure that every child, regardless of their ZIP code or insurance type, can access the life-changing care they deserve.”

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