In a pivotal meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, lawmakers discussed urgent global challenges related to autism and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the need for immediate action to improve care and support for affected children. The committee highlighted a groundbreaking report produced in collaboration with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, which reveals alarming statistics about the state of developmental disabilities worldwide.

The report estimates that approximately 317 million children and adolescents globally suffer from health conditions contributing to developmental disabilities, with a staggering 95% lacking access to appropriate care. This lack of support not only exacerbates health issues but also increases the risk of mental health conditions and premature death from diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The findings underscore the systemic neglect faced by these children, who often encounter stigma, exclusion, and barriers to participation in society.

Key recommendations from the report call for a comprehensive approach to improve health outcomes for children with developmental disabilities. The committee stressed the importance of addressing institutional barriers while also tailoring care to meet individual needs. A proposed solution is the step care model, which offers a tiered system of care that provides varying levels of support based on the specific requirements of each child.

The committee urged all members to engage with the report's ten action areas aimed at accelerating policy changes and enhancing care systems. The overarching message is clear: the time for change is now, and it is crucial to bring children with developmental disabilities and their families out of the margins and into the forefront of health and social policy discussions. As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on implementing these recommendations to ensure that no child is left behind in accessing the care they need.