Protecting Progress: Autism Society Calls for Targeted Oversight, Not Service Restrictions 

Rockville, M.D., June 24, 2026 — Autistic individuals and their families rely on a vital array of services, such as speech and occupational therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Home and Community-Based Services. These services are essential to helping people build skills, pursue their goals, and live fully in their communities.

Recent reports of fraud and abuse in some service settings are deeply concerning. Any provider or entity that exploits individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities must be held fully accountable. Strong oversight, rigorous enforcement, and appropriate consequences for bad actors are essential to protect families and maintain systemic trust. Fraud not only harms the Autism community but also undermines the integrity of the systems intended to support it. We support transparent processes that empower providers and caregivers to report suspected fraud or abuse without fear of retaliation.

However, fraud concerns must not become a rationale for broad restrictions that compromise service access across the entire field. History shows that sweeping, non-targeted integrity measures often result in reduced service availability, heavy administrative barriers, and delayed care for those who most depend on these supports. 

The Autism Society is concerned when efforts to address fraud result in broad restrictions that reduce support options for individuals and families. Many families already face significant challenges finding qualified caregivers, direct support professionals, and other essential services, and often step in to provide critical care themselves. Accountability measures should be targeted and evidence-based, addressing specific instances of fraud or misconduct while preserving access to the supports and services that Autistic individuals and their families rely on.

Prioritizing Individualized Care and Choice

The Autism Society firmly believes that service decisions should be made by Autistic individuals and their caregivers in partnership with a multidisciplinary team. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach, no single service or intervention meets the needs of every individual. Program selection must be based on a comprehensive assessment of a person’s unique abilities, preferences, and interests, and must be goal-oriented to meaningfully improve quality of life. Intensity and type of intervention will vary based on the priorities, needs, and progress of each Autistic individual and their family. Interventions must address both physical and behavioral needs to promote progress, improve quality of life, and maximize response to interventions. 

Our position is clear: any therapeutic practice must promote self-determination, enhance inclusive community involvement, and protect the rights, safety, and dignity of Autistic people. 

Because each person responds differently to various interventions, the Autism Society does not endorse any single type of support, therapy, or program. Instead, we advocate for flexible, accessible services across the lifespan that empower Autistic individuals and their families to explore all available options and choose what best meets their needs. 

We recognize that we are a single community with diverse experiences. What unites us is a shared goal: a world where every Autistic person can access the supports they need, when they need them, in a way that fully respects their rights, dignity, and autonomy.

Learn More: Learn more about the Autism Society’s ABA Commission and our development process by reading our ABA Resource and supplemental ABA FAQ document here.