After her eldest son was diagnosed with autism in 2005, Kristin Jacobson and her family struggled to find — and pay for — the care he needed. At that time, health insurance nationwide typically excluded treatment for autism. This personal challenge ignited a career dedicated to helping families like hers.
In 2009, Kristin co-founded Autism Deserves Equal Coverage, an advocacy organization that works to secure insurance coverage of medically necessary treatments for autism. “Kristin personally drafted legislation, built coalitions, overcame aggressive industry opposition, and educated legislators,” explains her sister, Kim Jacobson Wullschleger, MA Edu/MBA ’99. Kristin’s tenacious advocacy was a driving force behind California’s 2011 landmark law requiring health insurers to include coverage for autism treatments. She then worked with Medi-Cal to make California the first state to voluntarily cover behavioral treatment under Medicaid.
Kristin continues to be a powerful voice for the autism community. Serving as a founding member of the Alliance of California Autism Organizations, the California policy chair for Autism Speaks, and a strategic advisor for Easterseals Southern California, her influence is widespread. As a senior policy advisor for Special Needs Network, she recently led a successful effort to ensure foster youth in California can access behavioral health treatment under Medi-Cal—another historic policy win. In recognition of her work, Autism Speaks honored Kristin with its Sustained Outstanding Advocacy award.
Kristin also brings her passion for improving healthcare access back to Stanford, where she has served as the co-president of Stanford Alumni in Healthcare for the past three years. She is also an advisor for SPARK at Stanford, a research program that translates academic biomedical discoveries from laboratory to patient care. “Kristin is an inspiration to me and all those who know her,” shares Kim. “She has achieved extraordinary impact, transforming countless lives through her courage, tenacity, and heart.”
