Families raising children with autism on Guam face serious challenges due to limited services, long waiting lists, and a shortage of trained specialists and support staff. While Guam is a U.S. territory, many families report difficulty accessing services that are commonly available to children with autism across the United States through school systems and federally funded disability programs. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that provides specialized services and support tailored to their needs. Across the United States, students with autism commonly receive comprehensive school-based services and supports such as: • Speech therapy • Occupational therapy • Behavioral intervention services • Social skills training • Assistive technology support • Sensory integration support • Functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans • School psychologists and behavioral specialists trained in autism • Special education resource classrooms • Autism-specific classrooms and structured learning programs • Sensory rooms and calming environments • Crisis intervention and behavioral support teams • Transition services preparing students for adulthood, employment, and independent living Many students who require additional support also receive properly trained one-to-one classroom aides (paraprofessionals) who are trained to work with students with autism and other developmental disabilities. These aides play a critical role in helping students safely participate in school, follow their IEP plans, support communication needs, and manage behavioral challenges. Families on Guam report that access to trained one-to-one aides and specialized autism services is often limited due to shortages of trained staff and insufficient resources. In addition to school services, many families in the United States rely on federally funded programs through Medicaid that help provide essential support services for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. In many states, Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers allow individuals with autism to receive services such as: • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy • In-home behavioral support services • respite care for caregivers • community integration programs • assistive technology services • transportation assistance for medical and therapy appointments • life skills training • supported employment programs • adult day programs and community living support Many states also allow parents or family members to serve as paid caregivers under certain Medicaid programs when they are providing full-time care to a child with significant disabilities. Parents of children with autism often provide around-the-clock care, supervision, and support, frequently leaving employment opportunities in order to meet their child’s needs. In many parts of the United States, caregiver support programs and Medicaid waivers recognize this reality and provide financial assistance or compensation to family caregivers who provide essential daily care. Families on Guam report that comparable programs, funding opportunities, and caregiver supports are extremely limited or unavailable, leaving many parents to provide intensive care without compensation or adequate support. This creates financial hardship, emotional stress, and significant barriers to accessing necessary therapies and services. Children and adults with autism on Guam deserve the same opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive as individuals living in the mainland United States. We are calling on local and federal leaders to take action to improve autism services and disability support for families on Guam by: • Expanding autism-related services in schools • Hiring and training properly qualified one-to-one classroom aides • Increasing access to speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies • Expanding access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts and autism specialists • Strengthening early intervention programs for infants and toddlers • Expanding Medicaid funding and disability services for individuals with autism • Establishing Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs comparable to those available in U.S. states • Providing caregiver support programs for parents who provide full-time care to children with significant disabilities • Ensuring Guam families receive equitable access to federally funded disability programs available across the United States Autism families on Guam deserve the same level of opportunity, support, and resources available to families throughout the United States. By signing this petition, you are helping raise awareness and urging leaders to prioritize autism services, school supports, and caregiver assistance for individuals and families affected by autism on Guam. Many families on Guam are forced to leave the island & culture they call home for their autistic childs needs & future. Our family included recently started a gofundme to ask help to relocate to give our son Liam the medical therapies, educational services & financial assistance for future needs & care that isn't available for him & family in Guam. Our story is only 1 of so many on the beautiful island of Guam. Speak for Guam Families — So U.S. Territories Are Not Forgotten Please share, sign & share your comments/stories below.  Reach out share your stories & experiences!  Your child’s Diagnoses, therapy waitlist, family struggles on island. Please if you want to Personally Donate & Share to our Guam 🇬🇺 Family cause 🙏 https://www.gofundme.com/f/give-liam-a-voice-of-his-own-building-tools-for-his-future?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQh4R1jbGNrBCHhFGZkaWQWUC72ZHjpEoBSJYN3nXzuc1xz0wzxOWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHq7Gg-dtfCW8MOtfXRzXFdEIx0Q04_X7bkFQqs-10d4UR7TiOnRaFJ0LdMAZ_aem_exvMZkcaBafagDu-Ie3JFw