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Autism Society serves as the voice of the San Diego autism community. We believe in advocating for access and inclusion in all areas, with a focus on Housing & Justice. Our organization is dedicated to advocating for public policies that advance the quality of life of individuals and families struggling with ASD.
Policy Brief #ASSD-HC-043025-04
April 30, 2025
Bill Number: AB 904 (Aguiar-Curry)
Title: Childcare Services: Workday and Family Leave
Status: Amended in Assembly – Human Services Committee
Position: SUPPORT
SUMMARY
AB 904 expands access to subsidized childcare by clarifying that parents on pregnancy leave, paid family leave, or job search are still eligible for care. The bill updates definitions, simplifies eligibility, and allows families to continue receiving care during key transitional periods—without burdensome medical documentation. Specifically, AB 904:
WHY IT MATTERS TO OUR COMMUNITY
Families with children on the autism spectrum often face greater logistical and financial challenges during pregnancy, birth, medical recovery, or family caregiving transitions. Under current rules, a parent on leave—even for childbirth or family illness—may be disqualified from receiving childcare for their other children unless they meet rigid incapacity standards with extensive medical documentation.
AB 904 helps families remain eligible for subsidized childcare during critical life events without disruptions in care. For parents of children with autism, these disruptions can have serious effects on the child’s behavioral, developmental, and emotional progress. This bill supports continuity of care, promotes equitable access, and recognizes caregiving as essential—not optional—labor.
KEY ISSUES ADDRESSED IN AB 904
1. Aligns Policy with Reality
Current law assumes that if a parent is on leave, they can care for all their children full time. But for families juggling recovery from childbirth, mental health needs, or caregiving for multiple children—including those with disabilities—this assumption is deeply flawed.
AB 904 recognizes pregnancy and family leave as valid reasons for continued childcare access, supporting family stability and well-being.
2. Reduces Unnecessary Bureaucracy
Parents currently must qualify under the "incapacity" category, which requires signed documentation from a medical provider. This is burdensome, particularly for low-income families or those facing language, access, or cultural barriers.
AB 904 simplifies this process by allowing parents to submit a self-attestation confirming they are on leave—removing the need for detailed medical documentation.
3. Promotes Continuity of Care for Children
Disruptions in childcare services during pregnancy or family leave can cause emotional distress and developmental regression for children with autism. Routine, consistency, and trusted environments are crucial.
By allowing families to retain childcare during temporary leave periods, this bill protects children’s developmental trajectories and supports their mental health and adjustment.
4. Advances Economic Equity
The bill ensures that families—especially women and primary caregivers—do not lose access to essential childcare support while on legally protected leave. This promotes equity in career stability, financial independence, and post-leave workforce re-entry, especially for families without informal caregiving networks.
AUTISM SOCIETY SAN DIEGO PERSPECTIVE
We strongly support AB 904 because it closes critical gaps in childcare eligibility for families on leave. This bill is especially meaningful for families of children with autism, who already navigate complex service systems and face disproportionate barriers to accessing care.
By removing outdated assumptions and reducing administrative hurdles, AB 904 promotes childcare continuity, parental wellbeing, and disability-inclusive family policies. It affirms that taking time to recover or care for a loved one should not mean losing access to the care systems that help a family stay afloat.
CALL TO ACTION
We urge members of the California Legislature to vote YES on AB 904 and support working families during periods of caregiving, pregnancy, and transition.
Policy Brief #ASSD-EDU-043025-003
April 30, 2025
Bill Number: AB 560 (Addis)
Title: Special Education: Resource Specialists and Special Classes
Status: Amended in Assembly
Position: SUPPORT
SUMMARY
AB 560 would improve the delivery and quality of special education in California by strengthening staffing practices and workload distribution among resource specialists and ensuring more supportive environments in special education classrooms. Specifically, the bill would:
WHY IT MATTERS
California’s students with autism and other exceptional needs deserve equitable, consistent access to high-quality special education services. AB 560 addresses two growing challenges within the special education system:
Children on the autism spectrum often require timely assessments and appropriately staffed classrooms to ensure their legal right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) under IDEA. AB 560 moves California closer to delivering on this promise.
BACKGROUND
Resource specialists are credentialed professionals who provide essential academic and behavioral support for students with disabilities, especially those in general education settings. Current law caps resource specialist caseloads at 28 students, but does not address how workload—especially time-consuming initial assessments—is distributed across staff. This results in assessment bottlenecks, delaying crucial services for students with autism and other exceptional needs.
Separately, special education classrooms, especially those for students with extensive support needs, often face staffing shortages. Overcrowding, combined with the absence of clear adult-to-pupil ratio guidelines, undermines the individualized instruction and safety that these students require. AB 560 begins to address this by mandating the development of recommended ratios based on age, setting, support level, and best practices from other states.
KEY PROVISIONS OF AB 560
FISCAL IMPACT
AB 560 may impose new responsibilities on LEAs and require modest funding for stakeholder engagement and data analysis by the California Department of Education. If costs are found to be state-mandated, reimbursement would occur under the Commission on State Mandates.
AUTISM SOCIETY SAN DIEGO PERSPECTIVE
We support AB 560 because it aligns with our strategic goals around education equity, inclusive school environments, and strengthening the special education workforce. This bill directly addresses pain points raised by families across San Diego County:
By promoting transparency, fairness, and adequate staffing, AB 560 will help ensure that students with autism and other developmental disabilities receive timely, individualized, and effective educational supports.
CALL TO ACTION
We urge members of the California Legislature to vote YES on AB 560 and support this important step toward improving California’s special education system.
Policy Brief: ASSD-HC-040125-001
2025 has already brought changes at the federal level that are rippling through to states like California—changes that may have profound effects on individuals and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental differences.
With the new presidential administration, health and social policies—especially those tied to Medicaid and federal research funding—are in flux. At Autism Society San Diego, we are tracking these developments closely to understand how they might shape services, rights, and opportunities for the Autism community here in California.
Federal Policy Changes and Their Implications: Medicaid and Medi-Cal Funding Challenges
The Trump administration has proposed substantial cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), potentially reducing its discretionary budget by over 30% for fiscal year 2026. Th is plan includes eliminating numerous public health programs, notably those targeting autism, and reducing funding for major agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by over 40% .POLITICO
In California, these federal cuts coincide with a $6.2 billion shortfall in the state's Medi-Cal program, exacerbated by higher-than-expected costs from expanding coverage to undocumented immigrants AP News. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation to allocate $2.8 billion to address this deficit, but the financial strain remains significant.
CalAIM Waiver Renewal Uncertainty
California's CalAIM initiative, authorized through Section 1115 and 1915(b) waivers, aims to transform Medi-Cal by integrating services and addressing social determinants of health. These waivers are set to expire on December 31, 2026 DHCS. The state's ability to renew and sustain CalAIM is uncertain amid federal funding reductions and the Medi-Cal budget shortfall.
Federal Laws Supporting Individuals with Autism
Despite current uncertainties, several federal laws continue to protect and support individuals with autism:
Leadership Changes at HHS and Autism Research
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as HHS Secretary has introduced controversial perspectives on autism. He has announced plans to investigate environmental factors contributing to autism, including mold, air, water, food, medications, and parental health . However, his previous support for discredited claims linking vaccines to autism has raised concerns among experts and advocates .CNN+7people.com+7AP News+7AP News+2Reuters+2Time+2
Additionally, the proposed restructuring of HHS includes the creation of the Administration for a Healthy America, which would consolidate various functions and potentially eliminate programs vital to individuals with disabilities, including those with autism. The Autism Society of America has expressed strong opposition to these changes, emphasizing the threat to essential services .POLITICO+4POLITICO+4Fierce Healthcare+4Autism Society+1CNN+1
Changes to ACA Marketplace Enrollment
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed the 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule, which includes:American Academy of Actuaries+5Health Management Associates+5Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services+5
These changes could hinder access to healthcare coverage for vulnerable populations, including individuals with autism and their families .
Advocacy and Staying Informed
Stay Informed, Stay Involved
Now more than ever, it’s crucial that our community stays informed and connected. Autism Society San Diego will continue to track legislative and policy changes and provide updates, resources, and advocacy opportunities.
Watch this space—and subscribe to our newsletter—to stay updated as we navigate a challenging but critically important year for Autism policy.
The Autism Society San Diego remains committed to advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with autism. We encourage our community to stay informed about policy changes and participate in advocacy efforts.
The Autism Society San Diego has plans to expand its services to our San Diego autism families by building or acquiring/renovating a new Spectrum Community Center building. Ideally, this facility could be 20 to 30,000-square-foot and designed to provide comprehensive support services, recreational activities, educational opportunities and potentially a select group of autism startups, entrepreneurs & businesses that directly benefit our mission & community.
Once completed, it will include a wide range of specialized programs and resources, offering a welcoming environment where individuals on the autism spectrum and their families can access the support they need.
Spectrum intends to provide clinic and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals of all ages at the new center. As part of its mission to offer compassionate, evidence-based care, the new facility will feature “adult clinic spaces” to accommodate expanded services, now made possible through additional funding from various insurance plans.
The Spectrum Community Center will host a variety of classes to help individuals build and strengthen social relationships, covering topics such as dating, internet safety, and emotional regulation. Social events like dances, mini-concerts, game nights, and BBQs will be organized at the center and within the local community, providing opportunities for participants to practice and develop these essential skills.
Plans for the new center include modeled spaces, such as a doctor’s office, salon room, and dentist office, to help individuals become comfortable with accessing community services. The facility will serve as a training ground, offering courses on navigating insurance, medication management, religious inclusion, and more, making it a resource hub for anyone interested in autism-specific learning and training.
Spectrum will offer a wide array of activities aimed at helping individuals discover and pursue interests that bring joy and fulfillment. The center will provide opportunities for exploring community theater, yoga, gaming, gardening, dance, automotive care, pet care, and other hobbies and sports, creating a space for personal growth and enjoyment.
The new Spectrum Community Center will aim to enhance independence and self-sufficiency for those on the autism spectrum. The facility will offer structured classes on budgeting, cooking, hygiene, safety skills, meal preparation, transportation, and home management, along with additional individualized support to help participants implement these skills in their daily lives.
The Spectrum Community Center will promote a healthy lifestyle through courses on mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, hygiene, and medication management. The goal will be to provide lifelong support in a safe and understanding environment, reducing long-term care needs while enhancing the overall well-being of participants.
To support the development of crucial executive functioning skills, Spectrum plans to offer courses focused on time management, organization, problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and flexible thinking. These programs will help individuals build the foundational skills necessary for lifelong success and happiness.
The future center will feature courses on effective communication strategies, including conflict resolution, self-advocacy, written communication, and emotional expression. Spectrum aims to support individuals in improving their ability to communicate, both verbally and through assistive technologies, fostering stronger relationships with family, friends, and the community.
As part of its commitment to empowering individuals through meaningful employment, the new Spectrum Community Center will offer pre-vocational and vocational training programs. These programs will provide a safe environment to build job skills and explore potential career paths, preparing individuals for long-term success in the workforce.
The center’s future plans also include creating a variety of employment and internship opportunities in fields such as Psychology, Healthcare Administration, Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech & Language Pathology, Child Development, Business, Marketing, Social Work, and more. Spectrum will focus on building an inclusive environment that nurtures growth and learning for all involved.
With these ambitious plans, the Spectrum Community Center will serve as a comprehensive resource for support, training, and education, impacting the San Diego community and beyond. For more information about the future Spectrum Community Center, please contact us.