Policy updates, explained in plain language.
Medicaid rules, waiver changes, school updates, and disability policy can move fast. This page is here to help families understand what changed, why it matters, and what to check next.
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Pennsylvania removed the lifetime limit on Assistive Technology for many waiver families
This is the kind of update families can easily miss. If your child uses waiver-funded supports in Pennsylvania, this change may affect how Assistive Technology can be requested over time.
Latest News Updates
Showing all state updates.
National Update: New Immigration Rule Could Impact Families Accessing Medicaid
Hello families, We want to make sure you are aware of a new federal policy that could affect immigrant families who rely on public benefits […]
New York City Announces Major Expansion of Pre-K Special Education Programs
Hello New York families, If you have a young child navigating the early intervention or preschool special education system, there is some great news out […]
California Schools to Receive Historic $2.4 Billion Boost for Special Education
Hello California families, We have some incredibly positive news regarding school funding. Governor Newsom recently signed a budget bill that includes a hist…
National Update: Federal Government Delays Autism Strategic Plan After Advocate Uproar
Hello families, We want to update you on a developing situation at the federal level that directly impacts the future of autism research and funding. […]
Florida Launches New ‘Spectrum Alert’ for Missing Children with Autism
Hello Florida families, We have an important safety update for you. As of July 1, 2026, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has officially launched […]
Florida iBudget Waiver Changes: What You Need to Know Before the July 30 Deadline
Hello Florida families, If your loved one uses the Developmental Disabilities Individual Budgeting (iBudget) Waiver, there are some proposed changes you shou…
Important Update: How the CDC’s Recent Website Changes Affect Your Search for Autism Information
Hello families, If you could just give me a couple minutes of your time, something really important and concerning is happening right now regarding how […]
Important Updates for PA ABLE Account Holders: Transitioning to a New Program Manager
Hello Pennsylvania families, If you use a PA ABLE Savings Program account to save for your loved one’s future, there are some important changes happening […]
Good News for Immigrant Families: Federal Public Charge Rule Rescinded
Hello families, We have some positive news to share that affects immigrant families across the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officia…
Colorado Families: Understanding the New Weekly Caregiver Hour Limits
Hello Colorado families, If you provide care for a loved one through Colorado’s Medicaid program, you may have heard about the new limits on weekly […]
New York OPWDD FY2027 Budget: Nearly $380M in New Investments for Developmental Disabilities
New York State just passed its Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget, and there is some really good news for families relying on the Office for […]
Medicaid Work Rules Are Coming: Here Is What Disability Families Need to Know Before July 31
If your family relies on Medicaid, there is an important federal rule change you need to know about. Congress recently passed a law creating new […]
Pennsylvania Just Added $55 Million for Special Education. Here Is What That Means for Families.
Pennsylvania schools are getting a $55 million bump in special education funding for the upcoming school year, thanks to the state budget adopted on July […]
Florida Families: What to Do Before Hurricane Season Gets Busy
Hurricane season is here, and we all know the standard advice: stock up on water, batteries, and canned food. But when you are caring for […]
States Are Starting to Regulate ABA Providers. Here Is What Parents Should Know.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of the most common treatments for autism, and as demand grows, we are seeing a big increase in private […]
NY Medicaid 1115 Waiver Extension – Public Hearings July 31 and August 11
If your family relies on Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) or managed long-term care in New York, there is an important opportunity coming up…
Disability Rights CA Condemns Federal OLC Opinion Weakening Community Integration Rights
You may have seen some alarming headlines recently about a new federal legal opinion regarding the rights of disabled people to live in the community. […]
California Signs 2026-27 Budget – New Medi-Cal Asset Test Takes Effect July 2027
California has officially signed its 2026-2027 state budget, and there is a major change coming to Medi-Cal that families need to prepare for. Starting in […]
Texas Proposes Expanding Children’s Autism Program to Age 22
We have some potentially wonderful news for Texas families with teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission…
Pennsylvania Plans to Auto-Identify Medicaid Medical Frailty Exemptions for HR1 Work Requirements
If you have an adult child in Pennsylvania who receives coverage through the Medicaid expansion, you may have heard about new federal work requirements start…
Dallas behavioral health hospital may expand pediatric care options for Texas families
Texas announced a ribbon-cutting for a new Dallas psychiatric hospital that will include a pediatric wing once fully operational.
Florida Medicaid provider screening pilot may affect some family service providers
Florida is launching a Medicaid fraud prevention pilot with enhanced provider screening and revalidation requirements.
Pennsylvania Adult Autism Waiver renewal has been approved for July
Pennsylvania says CMS approved the Adult Autism Waiver renewal, with the renewal set to take effect July 1, 2026.
Colorado becomes first state to license ABA therapy providers
Colorado parents can now expect ABA providers to be licensed and held accountable. The state will have a formal complaint process if something goes wrong at …
Florida passes state budget with iBudget waiver and I/DD investments
Florida families who use the iBudget waiver may see some service improvements in the new budget year, though advocates note the provider rate increase is mod…
New York pushes back on federal DOJ opinion threatening community disability rights
New York families can know their state is pushing back on a federal DOJ opinion that could narrow disability community-living rights. Commissioner Baer’s sta…
Pennsylvania House passes special education funding reform that could help smaller districts
Pennsylvania parents of kids with disabilities may see more funding reach their school district for extraordinary special education costs, especially in smal…
Pennsylvania Medicaid renewals will shift to every 6 months starting in 2027
Pennsylvania parents of adult children with autism on Medicaid should update their contact info with DHS now and watch for a notice by September 2026.
Federal special education oversight is moving to HHS and DOJ, and advocates are fighting back
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan and you ever need to file a complaint, the agency handling it may change. Advocates are fighting to keep special educati…
Colorado families may want to watch new READ Act dyslexia screening rules
Colorado is considering READ Act rule updates that include early dyslexia screening and more parent involvement in reading plans.
How to use these updates
Think of this page as a friendly heads-up, not a replacement for your care team, case manager, school team, or state agency. We will point you to the source, explain what changed, and help you figure out what might be worth asking next.
Every family is different. If an update sounds like it may apply to you, use it as a starting point for a conversation with the people who support your child.
Want help turning an update into next steps?
Autism Pathways helps turn big systems into smaller steps. Use the app to understand where your family is now and what may come next.
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