advocates – Stepping Stones Center

October 11, 2026· Special Education

New Trump Accounts Offer Savings Potential, But Disability Advocates Warn of Benefit Risks

The introduction of "Trump Accounts"—a newly debuted financial vehicle designed to help American families build tax-advantaged savings for their children—is being met with both optimism and significant caution. While the program promises a head start on financial security for millions of children, disability rights advocates and policy experts are raising an urgent alarm: without meticulous…

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October 11, 2026· Learning Disabilities

Researchers and Advocates Push for a Universal Definition of ‘Profound Autism’ Amid Growing Inconsistencies in Clinical Studies

By Shaun Heasley The term “profound autism” has steadily gained traction in recent years as a descriptive category for individuals on the most severe end of the autism spectrum. However, despite its widespread adoption in clinical discussions, public policy debates, and family advocacy networks, researchers and clinicians have struggled to agree on precise diagnostic boundaries.…

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October 10, 2026· Special Education

New Trump Accounts Offer Savings Potential, But Disability Advocates Warn of Benefit Risks

The introduction of "Trump Accounts"—a newly launched federal initiative designed to help families build long-term savings for their children—has been heralded by some as a significant step forward in generational wealth building. However, disability advocates and policy experts are raising urgent alarms. They warn that without meticulous financial planning and a clear understanding of the…

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October 9, 2026· Learning Disabilities

Researchers and Advocates Push for a Standard Definition of "Profound Autism"

The "profound autism" label has gained significant traction in recent years as a descriptive term for individuals on the more severe end of the autism spectrum. However, as the terminology becomes more widespread across medical, academic, and policy circles, a concerted effort is underway to clarify exactly who qualifies for the designation. The label first…

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October 9, 2026· Inclusive Education

Researchers and Advocates Push for a Standard Definition of "Profound Autism" Amid Growing Debate Over the Label

The "profound autism" label has gained significant traction in recent years as a descriptive term for individuals on the more severe end of the spectrum, but a concerted effort is now underway to clarify exactly who qualifies for the designation. As the debate over categorization continues to shape clinical work, federal policy, and advocacy efforts,…

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October 8, 2026· Learning Disabilities

Researchers and Advocates Push for a Universal Definition of ‘Profound Autism’ Amid Growing Debate

The "profound autism" label has gained significant traction in recent years as a descriptive term for individuals on the more severe end of the developmental spectrum, but a concerted effort is now underway to clarify precisely who qualifies for the designation. The label first came to widespread prominence with a landmark 2021 proposal put forward…

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October 8, 2026· Inclusive Education

Researchers and Advocates Push for a Standardized Definition of "Profound Autism"

The term "profound autism" has gained significant traction in recent years as a way to describe individuals on the more severe end of the neurodevelopmental spectrum, but a fresh effort is now underway to establish a clear, universally accepted consensus on exactly who qualifies for the designation. The label first came to widespread prominence through…

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October 8, 2026· Learning Disabilities

Researchers and Advocates Push for a Standardized Definition of "Profound Autism" Amid Growing Use of the Label

The "profound autism" label has gained significant traction in recent years as a descriptive term for individuals on the more severe end of the autism spectrum. However, as the terminology becomes more widespread in clinical, research, and policy discussions, a concerted effort is underway to clarify exactly who qualifies for the designation. The label first…

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October 8, 2026· Inclusive Education

Researchers and Advocates Push for Standard Definition of "Profound Autism" Amid Growing Debate

The "profound autism" label has gained significant traction in recent years as a descriptive term for individuals situated on the more severe end of the autism spectrum. However, as the terminology becomes more widely used across healthcare, research, and public policy, a concerted effort is underway to clarify precisely who qualifies for the designation. The…

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October 5, 2026· Inclusive Education

Proposed CDC Survey Overhaul Threatens to Severely Undercount Americans with Developmental Disabilities, Advocates Warn

A sweeping proposed overhaul of a crucial federal health survey is drawing sharp criticism from disability advocates, researchers, and public health experts who warn that the changes could lead to a drastic and dangerous undercount of Americans living with developmental disabilities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently spearheading major structural and…

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