Independent Research
In the summer after 10th grade, I dove into research on the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), a topic that really interested me. I kept coming back to questions like: why do laws get to decide who receives protection and who doesn’t? What goes into that kind of decision? And how can we expand legal protections so more people are included? This project was my way of exploring those questions and starting to look for answers
The Role of the ADA Amendments Act in Advancing Rights and Accommodations for Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 marked a turning point in federal disability rights, expanding protections for millions of Americans—and opening new legal doors for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This research paper by Lincoln Feng explores how the ADAAA reshaped the definition of disability to include developmental conditions like ASD, ensuring that individuals on the spectrum are entitled to workplace protections, reasonable accommodations, and equal access to opportunity.
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Drawing from legal history, scientific research, and landmark cases, the paper examines three central areas: the limitations of the original 1990 ADA, the advocacy and policy efforts that led to the ADAAA’s passage, and the real-world implementation of these reforms—particularly in employment. It highlights how advocacy groups, public awareness campaigns, and breakthroughs in autism research helped change the national conversation, leading to a broader, more inclusive legal framework.
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The paper also investigates how these legislative changes play out in practice, from EEOC guidelines to accommodations like sensory-friendly environments and job coaches. Through a close look at the EEOC v. Party City Corporation case, the analysis illustrates the power of the ADAAA to hold employers accountable and protect the rights of individuals with ASD.
“Recognizing ASD as a disability under the ADAAA represents a crucial development in disability rights. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD, the amendments have paved the way for more inclusive and supportive environments.”
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This work not only traces how the law has evolved—it also shows how that evolution continues to shape lives, policies, and possibilities.
This paper was written under the guidance of Professor William N. Eskridge Jr. of Yale Law School, one of the nation’s leading scholars in constitutional law, legislation, and LGBTQ+ legal rights. Professor Eskridge is best known for his work on statutory interpretation and for helping shape modern understanding of civil rights protections within the legal system. His scholarship has been cited extensively by courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
Working with Professor Eskridge over the summer of 2024 provided critical insight into the legal complexities surrounding the ADA Amendments Act and its implications for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His mentorship challenged me to think more deeply about how legislative history, legal precedent, and evolving definitions of disability intersect in real-world policy implementation. I am deeply grateful for his support and intellectual guidance in shaping this project.