ASAN delves into significant social issues by way of reports and policy briefs created to benefit the Autistic and disability communities. These documents can be accessed at no cost through the links below.
Twenty-three years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities continue to face persistent and ongoing discrimination and lack of access in health care settings. In response to numerous reports of discriminatory practices adversely impacting people with disabilities, ASAN has produced an analysis on discrimination against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking organ transplants. Produced through a grant from the Special Hope Foundation, this is the first of four policy briefs on health care access for people with disabilities forthcoming in 2013.
Organ Transplantation and People with I/DD: A Review of Research, Policy and Next Steps
To promote greater community involvement and representation in the development of the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), ASAN created two policy briefs discussing the proposed revisions to the definition of autism. Funded by a grant from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD), these policy briefs were produced through ASAN’s Program on Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Autism Research. We began by reviewing the potential implications of the DSM-5 draft criteria on services, supports, and accommodations:
The second policy brief analyzing the proposed changes to the autism criteria expanded upon the initial discussion by outlining various issues of concern and ASAN’s recommendations for how to address them. In setting forth our recommendations for the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for the autism spectrum, we provided extensive research support for each recommended change. In addition to identifying potential benefits and problems associated with the DSM-5 draft criteria, we discussed what the autism spectrum looks like across differences in age, racial, ethnic and cultural background and gender:
ASD in DSM-5: What the Research Shows and Recommendations for Change
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services invited public comment in 2011 on establishing minimum quality standards for providers of home and community based services (HCBS). The Autistic Self Advocacy Network joined with two other self-advocacy groups, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered and the National Youth Leadership Network, to prepare a report on what community living means. In addition to discussing what kinds of living arrangements should qualify for HCBS funds, this report addressed policy issues in the areas of housing, education, employment, and transportation:
Keeping the Promise: Self Advocates Defining the Meaning of Community Living
