Autism providers cheer Trump crackdown after millions allegedly stolen from children through Medicaid fraud

FIRST ON FOX: American autism care providers are backing the Trump administration's crackdown on Medicaid fraud, arguing that the alleged theft of millions of federal funds has hurt both taxpayers and children with autism who rely on those services.A coalition of autism clinicians, behavioral therapists and families of children with autism are speaking out in favor of the administration's efforts to hold people accountable for the suspected exploitation of the Medicaid system.The group — the Autism Families Alliance — describes itself as a national advocacy organization dedicated to supporting Applied Behavior Analysis providers and the families who rely on their services.It aims to ensure that every child and family has access to high-quality care without unnecessary barriers, reduced access or funding cuts."We do this work because we believe every child deserves the chance to communicate, gain independence, and live the fullest life possible," Taylor Sanders, a family advocate at the Autism Families Alliance, told Fox News Digital.

"I’ve worked with children who found their voice after being nonverbal.I’ve watched families go from fear and uncertainty to hope because their child was finally making progress.

Those are the moments that keep us going.That’s why we’re here."WATCH: DR.

OZ SAYS NEWSOM, OTHER BLUE STATES HAVE TURNED MEDICAID FRAUD INTO A 'FEATURE'American autism care providers are backing the Trump Administration's crackdown on Medicaid fraud.(Nathan Howard/Getty Images)"President Trump and the administration are right: fraud is unacceptable and those responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Sanders added.The group argues that every dollar allegedly stolen by fraudsters should have been used to help a child with autism learn to communicate, gain independence and receive the care they need.The members strongly support eliminating fraud and prosecuting suspected criminals, but they also fear that broad federal and...