Advocacy is done by SCAS at all levels, from the individual services to the system-change, state-wide level. Advocacy is a part of all of our programs.  We also work with policy makers throughout the state to help improve the services available to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.

SCAS has worked from our very beginning to improve services in South Carolina. Our work early-on lead to what is now the Autism Division at the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. We have worked with families and legislators on issues of funding for programs, starting new programs like the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Program, Ryan’s law and so on. We have also been working with the State Department of Education to update the eligibility criteria under the autism category to include the full spectrum.

In our role as advocates, SCAS participates in many committees and taskforces statewide. SCAS has been represented on the Act Early Project hosted by the Center for Disability Resources, the Developmental Disabilities Council out of the Office of the Governor, the Superintendant’s Advisory Committee on Special Education, just to name a few. Though this networking, we hope to increase the understanding of ASD and to improve the quality of life of those living with an ASD,