ASA Applauds the House Passage of the Combating Autism Act

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Autism Society of America <asanet@...> wrote: Date: Wed,

6 Dec 2006 13:31:12 -0600 (CST)

From: Autism Society of America <asanet@...>

deborah3brock@...

Subject: ASA Applauds the House Passage of the Combating Autism Act

ASA Applauds the House Passage of the Combating

Autism Act Legislation provides $860 million in additional funding for autism

research and education

Bethesda, MD (12/6/2006) -- The Autism Society of America (ASA) commends the

U.S. House of Representatives for its passage today of S. 843, the Combating

Autism Act. This critical legislation authorizes $860 million through 2011 in

federal funding for autism-related research, early detection and intervention.

“ASA applauds Chairman Joe Barton, Speaker Dennis Hastert, Majority Leader

Boehner, and our countless supporters in the House of Representatives for

their work on the Combating Autism Act,” said Lee Grossman, ASA President and

CEO. “We welcome the federal leadership on this national health crisis, and look

forward to working together to effect dramatic change.”

S. 843, authored by Sens. Santorum and Dodd, first passed in the Senate on

August 3, 2006. The legislation contains many important provisions to strengthen

autism research and diagnostics, including a renewed investment to track the

incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder; to increase public

awareness of early identification; promote the use of evidence-based

interventions for those at higher risk for autism; and establish state-level

clearinghouses for information on autism. For the first time, this legislation

also calls for culturally competent information on autism.

“Autism has been neglected for far too long,” continued Grossman. “Thanks to

the Combating Autism Act, federal agencies will have the resources they need to

coordinate autism policy and to develop better diagnostics, treatments, and

interventions.” ASA commends the hard work of its members and parents

nationwide, who mobilized tens of thousands of emails, letters and press

coverage to convince Congress of the importance of supporting this bill before

convening. In addition to the Combating Autism Act, ASA has partnered with many

disability associations this year to ask Congress to support important

legislation providing needed healthcare and respite services for the autism

community. “This is only the beginning of our commitment to ensure that the

federal funding is spent wisely and, in the most effective way,” said Jeff Sell,

ASA Director of Chapters and Membership. ASA will work actively on the Hill in

the 110th Congress to ensure further legislation for autism

services and environmental health.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the

areas of social interaction and communication. Autism is a spectrum disorder

that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. As

many as 1.5 million Americans - children and adults - are thought to have autism

today.

ASA is the oldest and largest grassroots organization within the autism

community. Today, more than 100,000 members and supporters are connected through

a working network of nearly 200 chapters nationwide. ASA is dedicated to

increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by

individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they

interact.

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Some of you already get this, but my theory is better safe than sorry in knowing if someone is aware...Another reason for passing this on is maybe this is something that can be persued by groups, in terms of funding...ShaneNote: forwarded message attached. Shane M.D. "Light travels faster than sound, this is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak..." Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift hence it is called the present. *None of us is as smart as all of us* Check out some of my work at: http://photos./smdscott141

ASA Applauds the House Passage of the Combating Autism Act

Legislation provides $860 million in additional funding for autism research and education

Bethesda, MD (12/6/2006) -- The Autism Society of America (ASA) commends the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage today of S. 843, the Combating Autism Act. This critical legislation authorizes $860 million through 2011 in federal funding for autism-related research, early detection and intervention.

“ASA applauds Chairman Joe Barton, Speaker Dennis Hastert, Majority Leader Boehner, and our countless supporters in the House of Representatives for their work on the Combating Autism Act,” said Lee Grossman, ASA President and CEO. “We welcome the federal leadership on this national health crisis, and look forward to working together to effect dramatic change.”

S. 843, authored by Sens. Santorum and Dodd, first passed in the Senate on August 3, 2006. The legislation contains many important provisions to strengthen autism research and diagnostics, including a renewed investment to track the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder; to increase public awareness of early identification; promote the use of evidence-based interventions for those at higher risk for autism; and establish state-level clearinghouses for information on autism. For the first time, this legislation also calls for culturally competent information on autism.

“Autism has been neglected for far too long,” continued Grossman. “Thanks to the Combating Autism Act, federal agencies will have the resources they need to coordinate autism policy and to develop better diagnostics, treatments, and interventions.” ASA commends the hard work of its members and parents nationwide, who mobilized tens of thousands of emails, letters and press coverage to convince Congress of the importance of supporting this bill before convening. In addition to the Combating Autism Act, ASA has partnered with many disability associations this year to ask Congress to support important legislation providing needed healthcare and respite services for the autism community. “This is only the beginning of our commitment to ensure that the federal funding is spent wisely and, in the most effective way,” said Jeff Sell, ASA Director of Chapters and Membership. ASA will work actively on the Hill in the 110th Congress to ensure further legislation for autism services and environmental health.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the areas of social interaction and communication. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. As many as 1.5 million Americans - children and adults - are thought to have autism today.

ASA is the oldest and largest grassroots organization within the autism community. Today, more than 100,000 members and supporters are connected through a working network of nearly 200 chapters nationwide. ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.

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