Together, these laws form a layered legal framework protecting the rights of autistic individuals from early childhood through adulthood, securing access to education, employment, community services, accommodations, and anti-discrimination safeguards. The ADA and Section 504 provide broad civil rights protections, IDEA and ESSA focus on educational rights, while newer laws like the Autism CARES Act and ABLE Act address services and financial independence. State laws often build on these protections with localized mandates.