The New England Center for Children (NECC) Director of Adult Services Julie Weiss, MA, BCBA recently participated as an invited presenter at a congressional briefing in Washington, DC “Adults with Autism: The Looming Challenges” sponsored by the Congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education (CARE), hosted by CARE founders and co-chairmen Congressmen Chris Smith (NJ) and Mike Doyle (PA).

Ms. Weiss informed session participants about model adult residential and employment services for people with autism, including the importance of using scientifically established principles and methods of Applied Behavior Analysis, and the need for well-trained staff to do this. She also reviewed how these services are delivered, cost-benefit analysis, and barriers to accessing services.

CARE is a Congressional Membership Organization dedicated to autism advocacy on Capitol Hill with over 180 bipartisan members from both the House and Senate. Earlier this year, NECC Chief Executive Officer & Founder Vincent Strully, Jr. met with staff from offices of CARE , and co-chairmen Smith and Doyle.

While in Washington, Ms. Weiss also had an opportunity to speak with Autism Society of America President Robert Beck and Autism Coalition Executive Director Michael Brogioli. The Autism Coalition under Mr. Brogioli’s direction has provided NECC with generous grants to support a major curriculum development project.