HR4086-119

What This Bill Does

The Autism Family Caregivers Act directs HHS, acting through HRSA, to run a Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program. Grants go to eligible entities that provide evidence-based caregiver skills training to family caregivers of children ages 0 to 9 with autism spectrum disorder or another developmental disability or developmental delay. Applications must show experience, planned activities, coordination with community organizations, early intervention providers, Medicaid programs, Head Start collaboration directors, schools, early intervening providers, payors, insurance departments, and health plans, plus plans for sustainability and stakeholder implementation committees. Grant funds must provide no-cost training on communication, social engagement, daily living skills, challenging-behavior response strategies, and caregiver coping and self-care. HHS must report to Congress after initial grants and submit a final report by the end of fiscal year 2027, and $10 million is authorized annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Who Benefits and How

Family caregivers of autistic children benefit because the training is provided at no cost and teaches practical intervention and self-care strategies. Children with developmental disabilities benefit if caregivers learn strategies that improve communication, social engagement, daily living skills, and inclusion. Community-based autism service providers benefit from HRSA grants to expand evidence-based caregiver skills programs. Medically underserved communities benefit because HHS may consider culturally competent and linguistically appropriate delivery to diverse caregivers.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Health Resources and Services Administration must administer the pilot grants, evaluate effectiveness, convene grantees, and report to Congress. Grant recipients must coordinate with Medicaid, Head Start, schools, early intervention providers, payors, insurance departments, and local stakeholders. Stakeholder implementation committees must advise on accessible, culturally appropriate, and linguistically appropriate training. Federal taxpayers bear the $10 million annual authorization for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Key Provisions

• Creates the HRSA Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program.
• Provides no-cost evidence-based training for family caregivers of children ages 0 to 9 with autism or developmental disabilities or delays.
• Requires coordination with Medicaid, Head Start, schools, early intervention providers, payors, and stakeholder committees.
• Authorizes $10 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and requires implementation reports.