The numbers are stark, and they tell a troubling story about the priorities of autism research. Of the $418 million spent on autism research in 2020, a mere 8.4% was dedicated to services, and a scant 4.3% addressed the crucial needs of autistic adults. These figures, drawn from the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee’s 2019-2020 portfolio analysis, reflect a serious failure of responsiveness to the very community that autism research dollars are meant to benefit.

The current allocation of funds is not just an administrative oversight; it is an ethical misalignment. While early diagnosis and foundational science are undoubtedly important, they cannot come at the expense of the millions of autistic individuals who are living, working, and navigating a world that often fails to accommodate them.

Autism is a lifelong condition, and the needs of an autistic person do not vanish on their 18th birthday. Yet, the research landscape treats adulthood as an afterthought. Funding must pivot to focus on tangible, real-world issues:

• Support Services: The 8.4% allocation for services is woefully inadequate. We need evidence-based research to improve the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of support systems, from behavioral interventions to community-based programs.
• Adult Needs: Research is desperately needed on employment, housing, healthcare transition, and aging with autism.

The autism community has made its priorities clear: greater support, better services, and a focus on quality of life across the lifespan. Until the funding agencies and researchers align their budgets with the lived realities of autistic people, the research portfolio will continue to reflect a deep disconnect. It is time for a drastic reprioritization to ensure that research funding truly serves its intended purpose.

As the founder and CEO of the Washington Autism Alliance, I have witnessed firsthand the profound and often devastating impact of this research funding misalignment on families across our state. We are past the point of accepting incremental change. I urge every policymaker, every research funder, and every advocate: look at the data, listen to the autistic community, and commit to a funding pivot that prioritizes lifelong services and adult needs. Our actions today will determine the quality of life for millions of autistic individuals tomorrow. The time to align our dollars with our values is now.