If you or your child has Autism, one of the first things that you should study and learn is your rights. Every American citizen has protections under the Constitution, and there are special laws that have been passed to help protect people with disabilities. By knowing the laws that protect you or your Autistic loved ones, you can help your loved one to live in a world that provides better opportunities to everyone, regardless of not only disability, but also race, gender, and ethnicity. This is the first step to creating a more tolerant world in general.

In the USA, the first law with which you should become acquainted is I.D.E.A., or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The I.D.E.A. covers children ages 3 to 21 and ensures that Autistic children are provided with the special educational programs that they need. The I.D.E.A. gives parents the right to be involved with education decisions made by the school concerning their child. To qualify under the I.D.E.A. your child will first need to be assessed, and this is best done by a private professional. That done, your child has the right by law to receive a free public education that is appropriate for his or her skill level. If your local public school has no such program available, they are required to find one or create one at no cost to you.

Also become familiar with the American Disabilities Act. Under this act, discrimination due to disability is prohibited in the workforce, as well as with state and local government, public accommodations, the United States Congress, public transportation, and telecommunications. For example, if a person has Autism but has the skills necessary to do a certain job, they cannot be refused the job because of their Autism diagnosis.

Other laws establish the fact that people with Autism are constitutionally equal to others. One such law says that people with Autism have the right to vote, and accommodations must be made so that this is possible. Another says that Autistic individuals cannot be refused housing based on disability. Other laws provide equal rights in all other aspects of life, and these should especially be researched if your loved one with Autism is in a health care institution.

By knowing the law and how it applies to yourself or others with Autism, you can ensure that justice is upheld. If you have questions, local law officials should be able and willing to answer them or to provide you with materials to answer your questions. Remember that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for anyone, so be an advocate for yourself or others with Autism to prevent mistreatment.