Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

July 7, 2006

Is this a cop out?Holly Bortfeld <maximom@...> wrote: ASA Expresses Support to HELP CommitteeFriday, July 7, 2006 Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the committee’s efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA). Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the bill last spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by the HELP Committee, will: Double NIH spending on autism research Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to create

Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible environmental contributors to autism Empower the director of the NIH to act as an "autism czar," developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best science and requiring that budget be reported to Congress Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early identification leading to early intervention with behavioral services provides the best available outcomes for children with autism Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in the treatment of

children with autism Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism over the next five years, a “multi-front war on autism” from public awareness and early diagnosis to basic biomedical research Text of Letter: Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy: On behalf of the 1.5 million

Americans with autism and their families, we at the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and improve autism related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look forward to continuing to work with you on this critical legislation. As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT) in 2005. The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate sponsors and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft that, among other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen research into potential environmental causes of autism. While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

legislation, we recognize that the legislative process is one that requires compromise and consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that Senators must consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation will require modification in order to build support for the legislation in the entire Senate. It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is poised to consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve final judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are confident that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive, meaningful bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the support of the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We look forward to working with you to advance this important legislation. Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their families. Sincerely, PrattChair, ASA Board of Directors cc: Senator Rick Santorum Senator Dodd Members of the Senate HELP Committee

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July 7, 2006

There is an agency where I live that is

supposed to fund things for my child. Whever I ask for things for him, the

response I get is:

“we’d like you to feel that

we are responsive to your request for information”

From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On Behalf Of Maurine Meleck

Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 5:08

PM

EOHarm

Subject: Re: ASA

Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

Is this a

cop out?

Holly Bortfeld

<maximom@...> wrote:

ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee

Friday, July 7, 2006

Letter

Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health,

Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA)

recognized the committee’s efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill

(CAA). Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the

bill last spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by

the HELP Committee, will:

Double NIH spending on autism research

Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism

Coordinating Committee

Require the National Institute of

Environmental Health Sciences to create Centers of Excellence devoted to

investigating possible environmental contributors to autism

Empower the director of the NIH to act as an

" autism czar, " developing an annual research budget for autism

based on the best science and requiring that budget be reported to

Congress

Create a screening program in all 50 states

for the early identification of children with autism; short of a cure,

early identification leading to early intervention with behavioral

services provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

Fund the efforts to identify the best medical

practices in the treatment of children with autism

Continue funding of the epidemiological and

public education programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal

spending on autism over the next five years, a “multi-front war on

autism” from public awareness and early diagnosis to basic

biomedical research

Text of Letter:

Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and

their families, we at the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your

efforts to enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and

improve autism related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look

forward to continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism

Act was introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd

(D-CT) in 2005. The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the

Senate sponsors and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft

that, among other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen

research into potential environmental causes of autism.

While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

legislation, we recognize that the legislative process is one that requires

compromise and consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that

Senators must consider, and understand that certain provision of the

legislation will require modification in order to build support for the

legislation in the entire Senate.

It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee

is poised to consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve

final judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are

confident that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive,

meaningful bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the

support of the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We

look forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.

Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism

and their families.

Sincerely,

Pratt

Chair, ASA Board of Directors

cc: Senator Rick Santorum

Senator Dodd

Members of the Senate HELP Committee

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July 8, 2006

No, it's worse.

From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On Behalf Of Maurine MeleckSent: Friday, July 07, 2006 5:08 PMEOHarm Subject: Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

Is this a cop out?Holly Bortfeld <maximom@...> wrote:

ASA Expresses Support to HELP CommitteeFriday, July 7, 2006

Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the committee’s efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA). Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the bill last spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by the HELP Committee, will:

Double NIH spending on autism research

Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

Require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible environmental contributors to autism

Empower the director of the NIH to act as an "autism czar," developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best science and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early identification leading to early intervention with behavioral services provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in the treatment of children with autism

Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism over the next five years, a “multi-front war on autism” from public awareness and early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

Text of Letter:

Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their families, we at the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and improve autism related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look forward to continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT) in 2005. The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate sponsors and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft that, among other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen research into potential environmental causes of autism.

While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised legislation, we recognize that the legislative process is one that requires compromise and consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that Senators must consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation will require modification in order to build support for the legislation in the entire Senate.

It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is poised to consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve final judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are confident that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive, meaningful bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the support of the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We look forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.

Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their families.

Sincerely,

PrattChair, ASA Board of Directors

cc: Senator Rick Santorum Senator Dodd Members of the Senate HELP Committee

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July 8, 2006

,

I don't see it in the same light. There are 22,000 members of ASA.

Some of those folks don't even have vaccine induced autism within

their site, doesn't even appear on a radar for them. ASA mentions

environmental factors within this statement and has been working to

view all options for folks. But it also has to be representative of

all of it's membership as well.

I don't see the need also to continue to splinter groups within the

ASD community. By doing so we are our own worst enemy really. I

don't see any other disability group that does this the way we do

within the ASD community. Why really? It's not helping.

Too some folks have children with ASD that were not vaccine induced

as well and we have to look at all aspects of this. As a mom that

knows our son was lost to ASD because of his vaccine damage I

continue to fight this fight, but I also have to honor other folks

that think differently from me.

Yes I think we as a community need to look at things of this nature

and see what we are doing as well to further the good for the entire

community, not just what we feel for our individual kids.

Additionally I'm saying this as a parent, a member of ASA and many

other organizations as well. But I'm not doing so as a

representative of ASA.

Carolyn

>

> ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee

> Friday, July 7, 2006

> Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

> In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education,

Labor and

> Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the

> committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA).

Senators

> Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the

bill last

> spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration

by the

> HELP Committee, will:

>

> * Double NIH spending on autism research

>

> * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating

Committee

>

> * Require the National Institute of Environmental Health

Sciences to

> create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible

environmental

> contributors to autism

>

> * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an " autism czar, "

> developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best

science

> and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

>

> * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early

> identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early

> identification leading to early intervention with behavioral

services

> provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

>

> * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in

the

> treatment of children with autism

>

> * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education

> programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

>

> * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism

over the

> next five years, a " multi-front war on autism " from public

awareness and

> early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

>

> Text of Letter:

> Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

> On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their

families, we at

> the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to

enact

> comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and

improve autism

> related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look

forward to

> continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

> As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was

introduced

> by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-

CT) in 2005.

> The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate

sponsors

> and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft

that, among

> other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen

research into

> potential environmental causes of autism.

> While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

legislation, we

> recognize that the legislative process is one that requires

compromise and

> consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that

Senators must

> consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation

will

> require modification in order to build support for the legislation

in the

> entire Senate.

> It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is

poised to

> consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve

final

> judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are

confident

> that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive,

meaningful

> bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the

support of

> the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We

look

> forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.

> Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their

> families.

> Sincerely,

> Pratt

> Chair, ASA Board of Directors

> cc: Senator Rick Santorum

> Senator Dodd

> Members of the Senate HELP Committee

>

> _____

>

> Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try

>

<http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music.

.c

> om/unlimited/> it free.

>

July 8, 2006

It would appear that the ASA is backing out of the coalition's

position of having the language included in the CAA. Essentially what

this letter says is " we would like to have the environmental research

part included, but if it gets left out, we know you've done the best

job you can. This, especially in light of all the goodies the rest of

the legislation provides for us. "

I think an appropriate article (draft) announcing their position is:

" ASA Signals Congress: OK to Dump Vaccine Research in Combating Autism

Act "

In breaking with a united autism coalition to push for vaccine

research into the cause of autism as part of the Combating Autism Act,

the Autism Society of American issued a letter today to a legislative

committee in which they indicate that the dropping of such a provision

was a compromise they could live with.

In the letter addressed to the Senate Committee on Health,

Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) which is reviewing the proposed

legislation, ASA said, " While we remain steadfast in our support for

the revised legislation [which included language for the vaccine

research], we recognize that the legislative process is one that

requires compromise. . .We appreciate the competing interests that

Senators must consider, and understand that certain provision of the

legislation will require modification in order to build support for

the legislation in the entire Senate. " The letter was signed by

Pratt, Chair of the ASA Board of Directors.

" If the ASA is sincere in this position backing away from real

support for research into vaccines as the cause of autism, " warned

coalition member Anne Nah Neemus from Stop Mercury Duh!, " the

legislation is doomed without the backing of the autism community. . .

To be finished. . .

Lenny

ASA Expresses

Support to HELP Committee

> Friday, July 7, 2006

> Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

> In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education,

Labor and Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA)

recognized the committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism

Bill (CAA). Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT)

introduced the bill last spring. This important legislation, currently

under consideration by the HELP Committee, will:

>

July 8, 2006

Carolyn,

It is the ASA doing the splintering by backing out of the coalitions

agreement to have the language included - if that's really their

position, shame on them for betraying the group consensus, not .

The ASA has always been a bit timid politically, but I never thought

they were suicidal. Also, keep in mind that the ASA board is made up

of many anti-research/treatment/cure neuro-diversity types.

Lenny,

for myself.

>

> ,

>

> I don't see it in the same light. There are 22,000 members of ASA.

> Some of those folks don't even have vaccine induced autism within

> their site, doesn't even appear on a radar for them. ASA mentions

> environmental factors within this statement and has been working to

> view all options for folks. But it also has to be representative of

> all of it's membership as well.

>

> I don't see the need also to continue to splinter groups within the

> ASD community. By doing so we are our own worst enemy really. I

> don't see any other disability group that does this the way we do

> within the ASD community. Why really? It's not helping.

-snip-

July 8, 2006

Lenny,

I didn't mean to single out , she's an amazing advocate and I'd

admire her very mcuh, but she was the one that posted the message

that was why I addressed her. Additionally as I've said, I don't

see this as a cop out. The language in Pratt's statement can

be interpretted in many different ways.

From my point of view I don't think we need to address research

funding via the Combating Autism Act....sorry but as the parent of a

15 year old son, it's not going to assist him. What I would love to

see in an act such as this is a services bill for folks that live

with the disorder, we can keep trying to find a cure and legislators

should be doing this already....parents shouldn't need to work their

butts off to get this done, but what about the folks that live with

ASD each and everyday and are not getting the services they need to

survive in many cases?

I'm also not looking to cure our son, but to assist him in any way

necessary via biomedical interventions and whatever it takes to do

so. In an essence also, I won't bash any organization that does

what its intention and mission statement direct it to do and are

also representative of their entire membership as well as an options

policy.

Additionally Lenny I have to disagree about the ASA BOD for many

reason and also say that I've always been of the belief that if I

don't agree with the way things are going I don't turn my back, I

try to effect change.

I ran for the ASA BOD this year and was elected. I'm just a mom,

but I do hope that as a ASA/BOD member I will be able to effect some

change and work toward assisting folks that are living with ASD. As

the parent of a child that was vaccine damaged, I'm also not going

to forget that as well.

Carolyn

> >

> > ,

> >

> > I don't see it in the same light. There are 22,000 members of

ASA.

> > Some of those folks don't even have vaccine induced autism

within

> > their site, doesn't even appear on a radar for them. ASA

mentions

> > environmental factors within this statement and has been working

to

> > view all options for folks. But it also has to be representative

of

> > all of it's membership as well.

> >

> > I don't see the need also to continue to splinter groups within

the

> > ASD community. By doing so we are our own worst enemy really.

I

> > don't see any other disability group that does this the way we

do

> > within the ASD community. Why really? It's not helping.

>

> -snip-

>

July 8, 2006

I would say that cop out is a very polite understatement. I hope that those who still support ASA realize what this complete cave-in will do to our kids. All research money will go to people like Offit so they can have the resouces they need to cover up the crime they committed. Yes, cop out is a very polite understatement. If anyone still belongs to ASA, I hope they send a letter and resign. VeraMaurine Meleck <maurine_meleck@...> wrote: Is this a cop

out?Holly Bortfeld <maximom@...> wrote: ASA Expresses Support to HELP CommitteeFriday, July 7, 2006 Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the committee’s efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA). Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the bill last

spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by the HELP Committee, will: Double NIH spending on autism research Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible environmental contributors to autism Empower the director of the NIH to act as an "autism czar," developing an annual research budget

for autism based on the best science and requiring that budget be reported to Congress Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early identification leading to early intervention with behavioral services provides the best available outcomes for children with autism Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in the treatment of children with autism Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism over the next five years, a “multi-front war on autism” from public awareness and early diagnosis to basic biomedical research Text of Letter: Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy: On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their families, we at the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and improve autism related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look forward to continuing to work with you on this critical

legislation. As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT) in 2005. The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate sponsors and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft that, among other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen research into potential environmental causes of autism. While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised legislation, we recognize that the legislative process is one that requires compromise and consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that Senators must consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation will require modification in order to build support for the legislation in the

entire Senate. It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is poised to consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve final judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are confident that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive, meaningful bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the support of the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We look forward to working with you to advance this important legislation. Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their families. Sincerely,

PrattChair, ASA Board of Directors cc: Senator Rick Santorum Senator Dodd Members of the Senate HELP Committee Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

July 8, 2006

Carolyn;

If we can get the research done to verify the cause(s), we can

stop the epidemic. We will also get the money we need to cure it.

ASA is a professional fundraising organization that will not rock

any boats and risk a drop in donations. Their last president was a

disgrace who sloughed off the mercury hypotheses on national TV. It

looks like this one is no better.

Establishing the cause is paramount. Everything else works off of

that.

What powerful lobbying group would you guess is behind efforts to

take the language out that will fund the research we need? Why is

ASA afraid to oppose them?

> > >

> > > ,

> > >

> > > I don't see it in the same light. There are 22,000 members of

> ASA.

> > > Some of those folks don't even have vaccine induced autism

> within

> > > their site, doesn't even appear on a radar for them. ASA

> mentions

> > > environmental factors within this statement and has been

working

> to

> > > view all options for folks. But it also has to be

representative

> of

> > > all of it's membership as well.

> > >

> > > I don't see the need also to continue to splinter groups within

> the

> > > ASD community. By doing so we are our own worst enemy really.

> I

> > > don't see any other disability group that does this the way we

> do

> > > within the ASD community. Why really? It's not helping.

> >

> > -snip-

> >

>

July 8, 2006

,

I agree that we need to establish the cause of any disorder, any

disease in hopes of finding a cure. However there are folks with

ASD that have voiced they don't want to be cured, that can't be

ignored.

As I've said thought none of us has a right to be a voice for all of

the ASD community and individuals affected. But why is autism

research so underfunding overall? Why do we have to carry this

burden as parents, doesn't make sense to me and I haven't seen much

change in the twelve years we've been involved in this.

Too I'm not discrediting anything anyone else is doing, nor the

support we given to any other organization, but I'm personally tired

of ASD not getting parity in general across the board.

Carolyn

> > > >

> > > > ,

> > > >

> > > > I don't see it in the same light. There are 22,000 members

of

> > ASA.

> > > > Some of those folks don't even have vaccine induced autism

> > within

> > > > their site, doesn't even appear on a radar for them. ASA

> > mentions

> > > > environmental factors within this statement and has been

> working

> > to

> > > > view all options for folks. But it also has to be

> representative

> > of

> > > > all of it's membership as well.

> > > >

> > > > I don't see the need also to continue to splinter groups

within

> > the

> > > > ASD community. By doing so we are our own worst enemy

really.

> > I

> > > > don't see any other disability group that does this the way

we

> > do

> > > > within the ASD community. Why really? It's not helping.

> > >

> > > -snip-

> > >

> >

>

July 8, 2006

The ASA broke ranks because...

" Moms Against Mercury is asking each organization represented on this

email to fully disclose all contributions of any type, source, or

nature from the pharmaceutical industry. Please disclose not only

vaccine makers, but ALL donations received by pharmaceutical companies

and amounts. Please include the pharmaceutical company name or

representatives linked to a pharmaceutical company in your

organization's statement as this information is not listed on many of

your tax forms " .

....they're obviously hiding something!

Charlie

July 8, 2006

That letter should read 1,499,999 families as my family will not support this drug company subsidy bill under any circumstances.

ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

ASA Expresses Support to HELP CommitteeFriday, July 7, 2006

Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the committee’s efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA). Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the bill last spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by the HELP Committee, will:

Double NIH spending on autism research

Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

Require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible environmental contributors to autism

Empower the director of the NIH to act as an "autism czar," developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best science and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early identification leading to early intervention with behavioral services provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in the treatment of children with autism

Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism over the next five years, a “multi-front war on autism” from public awareness and early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

Text of Letter:

Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their families, we at the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and improve autism related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look forward to continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT) in 2005. The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate sponsors and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft that, among other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen research into potential environmental causes of autism.

While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised legislation, we recognize that the legislative process is one that requires compromise and consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that Senators must consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation will require modification in order to build support for the legislation in the entire Senate.

It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is poised to consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve final judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are confident that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive, meaningful bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the support of the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We look forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.

Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their families.

Sincerely,

PrattChair, ASA Board of Directors

cc: Senator Rick Santorum Senator Dodd Members of the Senate HELP Committee

July 8, 2006

It's more like a sell-out. It sends the coded message that it ok with them if the thimerosal wording isn't in the bill.

Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

Is this a cop out?Holly Bortfeld <maximom@...> wrote:

ASA Expresses Support to HELP CommitteeFriday, July 7, 2006

Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the committee’s efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA). Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the bill last spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by the HELP Committee, will:

Double NIH spending on autism research

Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

Require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible environmental contributors to autism

Empower the director of the NIH to act as an "autism czar," developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best science and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early identification leading to early intervention with behavioral services provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in the treatment of children with autism

Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism over the next five years, a “multi-front war on autism” from public awareness and early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

Text of Letter:

Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their families, we at the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and improve autism related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look forward to continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT) in 2005. The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate sponsors and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft that, among other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen research into potential environmental causes of autism.

While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised legislation, we recognize that the legislative process is one that requires compromise and consensus building. (<---SELL OUT STATEMENT)

We appreciate the competing interests that Senators must consider, and understand that certain [a] provision of the legislation will require modification in order to build support for the legislation in the entire Senate. (<---SELL OUT STATEMENT)

It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is poised to consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve final judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are confident that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive, meaningful bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the support of the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We look forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.(<---SELL OUT STATEMENT)

Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their families.

Sincerely,

PrattChair, ASA Board of Directors

cc: Senator Rick Santorum Senator Dodd Members of the Senate HELP Committee

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

July 8, 2006

THANK YOU HOLLY! We are not going to make things happen for our children by running around calling it autism and compromising our position so we can all say we got along; playing nice to these orgs. who undermine what we all stand for....that will only keep us in a holding pattern.

We need to only stick together with like minded folks if we WANT TO HELP OUR HG INJURED children. For those organizations who work against our children....yes, I say we start some ass kicking....and MAM is certainly willing to organize a rally if needed. Amy and I have both said maybe we need to organize one at ASA or CAN's back door step.

-----Original Message-----From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ]On Behalf Of Holly BortfeldSent: Friday, July 07, 2006 11:04 PMEOHarm Subject: RE: Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

I agree, because we let them. Because these pseudo-advocacy orgs allow it, because they attend CDC press conferences and even their presence is an endorsement of all the lies spewed. When was the last time we picketed an ASA conference? An AutismSpeaks/NAAR event? Until and unless all the groups stand together, we’ll never get federal funding. The way to fix it? Shut down or take over the groups who stand in the way of real research. Teach the new parents how to research for themselves and make up their own minds, teach them how to deal with legislators, teach them that a little frickin’ anarchy is good for the soul. it’s time to choose sides. It’s time to kick a little ass.

From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On Behalf Of BarrySent: Friday, July 07, 2006 10:53 PMEOHarm Subject: Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

IMO, the Senate HELP committee will strike the vaccine language fromCAA all by themselves, without help from any autism advocacyorganizations. >> The ASA broke ranks because...> > "Moms Against Mercury is asking each organization represented on this > email to fully disclose all contributions of any type, source, or > nature from the pharmaceutical industry. Please disclose not only > vaccine makers, but ALL donations received by pharmaceutical companies > and amounts. Please include the pharmaceutical company name or > representatives linked to a pharmaceutical company in your > organization's statement as this information is not listed on many of > your tax forms".> > ...they're obviously hiding something!> > Charlie>

July 8, 2006

Carolyn,

I'm curious. What was the " other-induced " autism from?

> >

> > ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee

> > Friday, July 7, 2006

> > Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

> > In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education,

> Labor and

> > Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the

> > committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA).

> Senators

> > Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the

> bill last

> > spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration

> by the

> > HELP Committee, will:

> >

> > * Double NIH spending on autism research

> >

> > * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating

> Committee

> >

> > * Require the National Institute of Environmental Health

> Sciences to

> > create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible

> environmental

> > contributors to autism

> >

> > * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an " autism czar, "

> > developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best

> science

> > and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

> >

> > * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early

> > identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early

> > identification leading to early intervention with behavioral

> services

> > provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

> >

> > * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in

> the

> > treatment of children with autism

> >

> > * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education

> > programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

> >

> > * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism

> over the

> > next five years, a " multi-front war on autism " from public

> awareness and

> > early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

> >

> > Text of Letter:

> > Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

> > On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their

> families, we at

> > the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to

> enact

> > comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and

> improve autism

> > related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look

> forward to

> > continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

> > As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was

> introduced

> > by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-

> CT) in 2005.

> > The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate

> sponsors

> > and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft

> that, among

> > other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen

> research into

> > potential environmental causes of autism.

> > While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

> legislation, we

> > recognize that the legislative process is one that requires

> compromise and

> > consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that

> Senators must

> > consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation

> will

> > require modification in order to build support for the legislation

> in the

> > entire Senate.

> > It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is

> poised to

> > consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve

> final

> > judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are

> confident

> > that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive,

> meaningful

> > bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the

> support of

> > the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We

> look

> > forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.

> > Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their

> > families.

> > Sincerely,

> > Pratt

> > Chair, ASA Board of Directors

> > cc: Senator Rick Santorum

> > Senator Dodd

> > Members of the Senate HELP Committee

> >

> > _____

> >

> > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try

> >

> <http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music.

> .c

> > om/unlimited/> it free.

> >

>

July 8, 2006

Sorry I don't understand this. What " other-induced " autism?

Are you saying that all ASD is caused by heavy metal toxicity? I

don't agree. I also feel that what many kids have today is not an

ASD, but heavy metal toxicity, not unlike our son's case.

But too we do need to honor individuals with ASD that can choose for

themselves. It's their right folks and it would be unfair not to do

so.

Please folks too it's not worth bashing me personally, I've been out

there now for several years in different venues trying to seek

appropriations for several different things. But I'm a little fish.

I also don't think that folks should be focusing on ASD

organizations to bash,in doing so your not honoring all of thier

membership and their rights as well.

Additionally I'd like folks to think about this. If cure for ASD was

discovered tomorrow I'm sure the majority of folks would on this

list would use it for their child. Then what? Would you still be

fighting this fight? I can say I would because I need an answer.

But in doing so I'm not going to try to take down folks that think

differently than me or are not seeking a cure.

There are bigger fish to fry and it's not other parents of kids with

ASD.

Carolyn

> > >

> > > ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee

> > > Friday, July 7, 2006

> > > Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

> > > In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health,

Education,

> > Labor and

> > > Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA)

recognized the

> > > committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill

(CAA).

> > Senators

> > > Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced

the

> > bill last

> > > spring. This important legislation, currently under

consideration

> > by the

> > > HELP Committee, will:

> > >

> > > * Double NIH spending on autism research

> > >

> > > * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating

> > Committee

> > >

> > > * Require the National Institute of Environmental Health

> > Sciences to

> > > create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible

> > environmental

> > > contributors to autism

> > >

> > > * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an " autism czar, "

> > > developing an annual research budget for autism based on the

best

> > science

> > > and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

> > >

> > > * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early

> > > identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early

> > > identification leading to early intervention with behavioral

> > services

> > > provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

> > >

> > > * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in

> > the

> > > treatment of children with autism

> > >

> > > * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education

> > > programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

> > >

> > > * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism

> > over the

> > > next five years, a " multi-front war on autism " from public

> > awareness and

> > > early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

> > >

> > > Text of Letter:

> > > Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

> > > On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their

> > families, we at

> > > the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts

to

> > enact

> > > comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and

> > improve autism

> > > related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look

> > forward to

> > > continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

> > > As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act

was

> > introduced

> > > by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd

(D-

> > CT) in 2005.

> > > The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the

Senate

> > sponsors

> > > and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft

> > that, among

> > > other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen

> > research into

> > > potential environmental causes of autism.

> > > While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

> > legislation, we

> > > recognize that the legislative process is one that requires

> > compromise and

> > > consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that

> > Senators must

> > > consider, and understand that certain provision of the

legislation

> > will

> > > require modification in order to build support for the

legislation

> > in the

> > > entire Senate.

> > > It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is

> > poised to

> > > consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must

reserve

> > final

> > > judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we

are

> > confident

> > > that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive,

> > meaningful

> > > bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the

> > support of

> > > the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into

law. We

> > look

> > > forward to working with you to advance this important

legislation.

> > > Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and

their

> > > families.

> > > Sincerely,

> > > Pratt

> > > Chair, ASA Board of Directors

> > > cc: Senator Rick Santorum

> > > Senator Dodd

> > > Members of the Senate HELP Committee

> > >

> > > _____

> > >

> > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try

> > >

> >

<http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music.

> > .c

> > > om/unlimited/> it free.

> > >

> >

>

July 8, 2006

Carolyn,

My personal advocacy includes all those who are on the ASD spectrum.

But my priority are those who have been the most severely afflicted,

the disabled. The ASD people you refer to who do not want to be cured

are not disabled and I have no intention of getting in the way of

those who do not want to be so treated.

However, there is a moral imperative as a matter of basic humanity to

relieve the suffering, vulnerability and dependency of all who are

disabled. For me it is immoral to not try to do whatever we can to

bring whatever cures and treatments we can to these children, these

people. No one need be forced into supporting such an advocacy. But

let no one think they might get stand in the way of this effort

without consequence. The ND people are generally not disabled and

have no business pretending they represent the interests of those who

are. And they have no good reason to stand in the way of curing of the

disabled. The ND people should not be ignored, but their concerns need

to be put into proper perspective, properly triaged.

The reason autism research doesn't get funded is because the funders

are the perpetrators and they are not going to fund the exposure of

their own negligent behavior. The funding they will permit is either

useless window dressing or efforts to supply their duplicitous deeds

with alibis. Their mantra is repeated endlessly and it betrays them:

" We don't know what causes autism, but the most important thing is

that we convince the world it isn't because of vaccines. "

I will add this, which I consider to be most important. It is a

mistake for us to spend our efforts attacking autism organizations who

do not share our priorities. We must remain focused on who the

primary enemy is. It's those who have the power to spread and

maintain the autism epidemic.

Lenny

>

> ,

>

> I agree that we need to establish the cause of any disorder, any

> disease in hopes of finding a cure. However there are folks with

> ASD that have voiced they don't want to be cured, that can't be

> ignored.

>

> As I've said thought none of us has a right to be a voice for all of

> the ASD community and individuals affected. But why is autism

> research so underfunding overall? Why do we have to carry this

> burden as parents, doesn't make sense to me and I haven't seen much

> change in the twelve years we've been involved in this.

>

> Too I'm not discrediting anything anyone else is doing, nor the

> support we given to any other organization, but I'm personally tired

> of ASD not getting parity in general across the board.

>

> Carolyn

>

July 8, 2006

Hi Carolyn,

I agree with you on a lot of points. The autism community needs to come together if we want the funding that this epidemic so desperately needs.

The CAA provided a great opportunity for that to happen. All of the major groups were involved in the rewrite of the original bill and all agreed that it was the best possible bill for our children. We came to a concensus - no small feat in our little world. Now is the time for all of those groups to stand strong beside each other and stick to that concensus.

I'm very happy to know that you are on ASA's board. I'm sure that you will make a wonderful, positive addition.

From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On Behalf Of CGSent: Friday, July 07, 2006 6:49 PMEOHarm Subject: Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

,I don't see it in the same light. There are 22,000 members of ASA. Some of those folks don't even have vaccine induced autism within their site, doesn't even appear on a radar for them. ASA mentions environmental factors within this statement and has been working to view all options for folks. But it also has to be representative of all of it's membership as well.I don't see the need also to continue to splinter groups within the ASD community. By doing so we are our own worst enemy really. I don't see any other disability group that does this the way we do within the ASD community. Why really? It's not helping.Too some folks have children with ASD that were not vaccine induced as well and we have to look at all aspects of this. As a mom that knows our son was lost to ASD because of his vaccine damage I continue to fight this fight, but I also have to honor other folks that think differently from me.Yes I think we as a community need to look at things of this nature and see what we are doing as well to further the good for the entire community, not just what we feel for our individual kids. Additionally I'm saying this as a parent, a member of ASA and many other organizations as well. But I'm not doing so as a representative of ASA.Carolyn > > > ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee> Friday, July 7, 2006 > Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill> In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and> Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the> committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA). Senators> Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the bill last> spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by the> HELP Committee, will: > > * Double NIH spending on autism research > > * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee > > * Require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to> create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible environmental> contributors to autism > > * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an "autism czar,"> developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best science> and requiring that budget be reported to Congress > > * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early> identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early> identification leading to early intervention with behavioral services> provides the best available outcomes for children with autism > > * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in the> treatment of children with autism > > * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education> programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control > > * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism over the> next five years, a "multi-front war on autism" from public awareness and> early diagnosis to basic biomedical research > > Text of Letter:> Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:> On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their families, we at> the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to enact> comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and improve autism> related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look forward to> continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.> As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was introduced> by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT) in 2005.> The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate sponsors> and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft that, among> other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen research into> potential environmental causes of autism. > While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised legislation, we> recognize that the legislative process is one that requires compromise and> consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that Senators must> consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation will> require modification in order to build support for the legislation in the> entire Senate. > It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is poised to> consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve final> judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are confident> that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive, meaningful> bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the support of> the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We look> forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.> Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their> families. > Sincerely,> Pratt> Chair, ASA Board of Directors> cc: Senator Rick Santorum> Senator Dodd> Members of the Senate HELP Committee> > > > > _____ > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try> <http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music..c> om/unlimited/> it free.>

July 8, 2006

Carolyn,

That is the point. Is ASD equal to heavy metal poisoning/thimerosal?

This CAA IS the route to explore that. But, the powers that be may

not want that to be determined, but it is the purpose of this list and

many of the orgs and parents to have that research and TREATMENTS be

done, explored,and discovered. If not, it is a bill that will do

nothing for the toxic children who have metal/viral induced " autism " .

It is our time to make this happen and so that is why everyone is

jumping on this topic, not on you.

But, again curious, what do all the others have if not a toxic and

viral induced illness? Is it a genetic wiring and all of these

kids/adults have been put together and they have different origins of

diagnoses? I am not being sarcastic but really want to hear your

opinion on the 22,000 members of ASA.

> > > >

> > > > ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee

> > > > Friday, July 7, 2006

> > > > Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

> > > > In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health,

> Education,

> > > Labor and

> > > > Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA)

> recognized the

> > > > committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill

> (CAA).

> > > Senators

> > > > Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced

> the

> > > bill last

> > > > spring. This important legislation, currently under

> consideration

> > > by the

> > > > HELP Committee, will:

> > > >

> > > > * Double NIH spending on autism research

> > > >

> > > > * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating

> > > Committee

> > > >

> > > > * Require the National Institute of Environmental Health

> > > Sciences to

> > > > create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible

> > > environmental

> > > > contributors to autism

> > > >

> > > > * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an " autism czar, "

> > > > developing an annual research budget for autism based on the

> best

> > > science

> > > > and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

> > > >

> > > > * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early

> > > > identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early

> > > > identification leading to early intervention with behavioral

> > > services

> > > > provides the best available outcomes for children with autism

> > > >

> > > > * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in

> > > the

> > > > treatment of children with autism

> > > >

> > > > * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education

> > > > programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

> > > >

> > > > * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism

> > > over the

> > > > next five years, a " multi-front war on autism " from public

> > > awareness and

> > > > early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

> > > >

> > > > Text of Letter:

> > > > Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

> > > > On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their

> > > families, we at

> > > > the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts

> to

> > > enact

> > > > comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and

> > > improve autism

> > > > related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look

> > > forward to

> > > > continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

> > > > As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act

> was

> > > introduced

> > > > by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd

> (D-

> > > CT) in 2005.

> > > > The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the

> Senate

> > > sponsors

> > > > and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft

> > > that, among

> > > > other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen

> > > research into

> > > > potential environmental causes of autism.

> > > > While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

> > > legislation, we

> > > > recognize that the legislative process is one that requires

> > > compromise and

> > > > consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that

> > > Senators must

> > > > consider, and understand that certain provision of the

> legislation

> > > will

> > > > require modification in order to build support for the

> legislation

> > > in the

> > > > entire Senate.

> > > > It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is

> > > poised to

> > > > consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must

> reserve

> > > final

> > > > judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we

> are

> > > confident

> > > > that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive,

> > > meaningful

> > > > bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the

> > > support of

> > > > the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into

> law. We

> > > look

> > > > forward to working with you to advance this important

> legislation.

> > > > Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and

> their

> > > > families.

> > > > Sincerely,

> > > > Pratt

> > > > Chair, ASA Board of Directors

> > > > cc: Senator Rick Santorum

> > > > Senator Dodd

> > > > Members of the Senate HELP Committee

> > > >

> > > > _____

> > > >

> > > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try

> > > >

> > >

> <http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music.

> > > .c

> > > > om/unlimited/> it free.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

July 8, 2006

A board member of ASA wearing the badge of the thought police? That's interesting.

This is a clear indicator of task-styled management. (found another paw print) I'm really surprised and extremely disappointed to see this at such a high level of management. Usually the task-masters get sifted out before they lead a bunch of people into focusing on irrelevant things like stupid goals.

This is why I feel that everybody that all stake-holders in thimerosal research contact their U.S. Reps and Senators with sage petitions to hold off on signing off on this problematic combating autistics bill at least until after this next election cycle. Forcing a bill that has more twists than the River Jordan through Congress all for the sake of doing something is not in our children's best interest.

There are tens of thousands of youngsters under the autism banner that need vaccine and thimerosal research. The doctors and developmental specialists who actually see our children and treat them all say the same thing.."Your kid is vaccine injured." Our autistic children require vaccine research even if it drains every penny from NPO coffers. That's what the charities are there for and why they receive tax breaks on their funds.

RE: Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

Hi Carolyn,

I agree with you on a lot of points. The autism community needs to come together if we want the funding that this epidemic so desperately needs.

The CAA provided a great opportunity for that to happen. All of the major groups were involved in the rewrite of the original bill and all agreed that it was the best possible bill for our children. We came to a concensus - no small feat in our little world. Now is the time for all of those groups to stand strong beside each other and stick to that concensus.

I'm very happy to know that you are on ASA's board. I'm sure that you will make a wonderful, positive addition.

From: EOHarm [mailto:EOHarm ] On Behalf Of CGSent: Friday, July 07, 2006 6:49 PMEOHarm Subject: Re: ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee (CAA Bill)

,I don't see it in the same light. There are 22,000 members of ASA. Some of those folks don't even have vaccine induced autism within their site, doesn't even appear on a radar for them. ASA mentions environmental factors within this statement and has been working to view all options for folks. But it also has to be representative of all of it's membership as well.I don't see the need also to continue to splinter groups within the ASD community. By doing so we are our own worst enemy really. I don't see any other disability group that does this the way we do within the ASD community. Why really? It's not helping.Too some folks have children with ASD that were not vaccine induced as well and we have to look at all aspects of this. As a mom that knows our son was lost to ASD because of his vaccine damage I continue to fight this fight, but I also have to honor other folks that think differently from me.Yes I think we as a community need to look at things of this nature and see what we are doing as well to further the good for the entire community, not just what we feel for our individual kids. Additionally I'm saying this as a parent, a member of ASA and many other organizations as well. But I'm not doing so as a representative of ASA.Carolyn > > > ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee> Friday, July 7, 2006 > Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill> In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and> Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA) recognized the> committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill (CAA). Senators> Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT) introduced the bill last> spring. This important legislation, currently under consideration by the> HELP Committee, will: > > * Double NIH spending on autism research > > * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee > > * Require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to> create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating possible environmental> contributors to autism > > * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an "autism czar,"> developing an annual research budget for autism based on the best science> and requiring that budget be reported to Congress > > * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the early> identification of children with autism; short of a cure, early> identification leading to early intervention with behavioral services> provides the best available outcomes for children with autism > > * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical practices in the> treatment of children with autism > > * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public education> programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control > > * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on autism over the> next five years, a "multi-front war on autism" from public awareness and> early diagnosis to basic biomedical research > > Text of Letter:> Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:> On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and their families, we at> the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your efforts to enact> comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research and improve autism> related services. We strongly support your efforts, and look forward to> continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.> As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism Act was introduced> by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT) in 2005.> The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the Senate sponsors> and others in the autism community, submitted a revised draft that, among> other changes, included additional provisions to strengthen research into> potential environmental causes of autism. > While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised legislation, we> recognize that the legislative process is one that requires compromise and> consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests that Senators must> consider, and understand that certain provision of the legislation will> require modification in order to build support for the legislation in the> entire Senate. > It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee is poised to> consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must reserve final> judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft, we are confident> that the Committee has done its best to craft a comprehensive, meaningful> bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain the support of> the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into law. We look> forward to working with you to advance this important legislation.> Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism and their> families. > Sincerely,> Pratt> Chair, ASA Board of Directors> cc: Senator Rick Santorum> Senator Dodd> Members of the Senate HELP Committee> > > > > _____ > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try> <http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music..c> om/unlimited/> it free.>

July 8, 2006

Carolyn;

You voice concern about those who don't want to be cured of ASD.

Since ASD is unarguably a disability, and that disability is a form

of brain damage, why would you pay any attention to someone with

brain damage?

Does it make sense for anyone to oppose those of us who want to

help our children who can't function? The neurodiverse who don't

want us to help our kids are either brain damaged people, just plain

stupid or shills for those who caused the epidemic.

If they have a diminished capacity to function and care for

themselves, resulting in them being on the public dole and are

resisting any cure, the hell with them. That's like telling an

alcoholic to stay drunk while the taxpayers pay all his bills for

him. These people are crazy and they should not be associated with

us in any way.

You should read their blogs and see how they knock everything to

do with the fact that mercury caused this epidemic. They spend many

hours blogging in support of the drug companies and knocking the hell

out of every scientist who is trying to help our kids. They deserve

zero consideration from us.

> >

> > ,

> >

> > I agree that we need to establish the cause of any disorder, any

> > disease in hopes of finding a cure. However there are folks with

> > ASD that have voiced they don't want to be cured, that can't be

> > ignored.

> >

> > As I've said thought none of us has a right to be a voice for all

of

> > the ASD community and individuals affected. But why is autism

> > research so underfunding overall? Why do we have to carry this

> > burden as parents, doesn't make sense to me and I haven't seen

much

> > change in the twelve years we've been involved in this.

> >

> > Too I'm not discrediting anything anyone else is doing, nor

the

> > support we given to any other organization, but I'm personally

tired

> > of ASD not getting parity in general across the board.

> >

> > Carolyn

> >

>

July 8, 2006

If you want to hear the opinion of any membership of any

organization I guess you'd have to listen to them. Personally I've

just been doing what I've been doing for over ten years to bring

light to the situation.

I've seen much legislation and many earmarks changed over that time,

vaccines are only part of what I'm fighting to make folks see.

Yes too I agree, we need to show this is something folks don't want

for a reason...that reason being money.

Pretty simple really. But there isn't one person in the ASD

community that really has a right to speak for everyone else, nor

the choices that folks make either.

I've supported this for many years, gone to DC at least twice a

year, and have some good discussion with my legislators from MI on

this. There are folks that are listening.

In an essence too, most diseases are caused by damages to the immune

system in some way.....so this is bigger than just ASD.

Thanks for allowing me though to voice my opinion. I do think it's

important to honor everyone's individual choice.

Carolyn

> > > > >

> > > > > ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee

> > > > > Friday, July 7, 2006

> > > > > Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

> > > > > In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health,

> > Education,

> > > > Labor and

> > > > > Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA)

> > recognized the

> > > > > committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill

> > (CAA).

> > > > Senators

> > > > > Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT)

introduced

> > the

> > > > bill last

> > > > > spring. This important legislation, currently under

> > consideration

> > > > by the

> > > > > HELP Committee, will:

> > > > >

> > > > > * Double NIH spending on autism research

> > > > >

> > > > > * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism

Coordinating

> > > > Committee

> > > > >

> > > > > * Require the National Institute of Environmental

Health

> > > > Sciences to

> > > > > create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating

possible

> > > > environmental

> > > > > contributors to autism

> > > > >

> > > > > * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an " autism

czar, "

> > > > > developing an annual research budget for autism based on

the

> > best

> > > > science

> > > > > and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

> > > > >

> > > > > * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the

early

> > > > > identification of children with autism; short of a cure,

early

> > > > > identification leading to early intervention with

behavioral

> > > > services

> > > > > provides the best available outcomes for children with

autism

> > > > >

> > > > > * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical

practices in

> > > > the

> > > > > treatment of children with autism

> > > > >

> > > > > * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public

education

> > > > > programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

> > > > >

> > > > > * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on

autism

> > > > over the

> > > > > next five years, a " multi-front war on autism " from public

> > > > awareness and

> > > > > early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

> > > > >

> > > > > Text of Letter:

> > > > > Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

> > > > > On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and

their

> > > > families, we at

> > > > > the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your

efforts

> > to

> > > > enact

> > > > > comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research

and

> > > > improve autism

> > > > > related services. We strongly support your efforts, and

look

> > > > forward to

> > > > > continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

> > > > > As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism

Act

> > was

> > > > introduced

> > > > > by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator

Dodd

> > (D-

> > > > CT) in 2005.

> > > > > The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the

> > Senate

> > > > sponsors

> > > > > and others in the autism community, submitted a revised

draft

> > > > that, among

> > > > > other changes, included additional provisions to

strengthen

> > > > research into

> > > > > potential environmental causes of autism.

> > > > > While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

> > > > legislation, we

> > > > > recognize that the legislative process is one that

requires

> > > > compromise and

> > > > > consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests

that

> > > > Senators must

> > > > > consider, and understand that certain provision of the

> > legislation

> > > > will

> > > > > require modification in order to build support for the

> > legislation

> > > > in the

> > > > > entire Senate.

> > > > > It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee

is

> > > > poised to

> > > > > consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must

> > reserve

> > > > final

> > > > > judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft,

we

> > are

> > > > confident

> > > > > that the Committee has done its best to craft a

comprehensive,

> > > > meaningful

> > > > > bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain

the

> > > > support of

> > > > > the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into

> > law. We

> > > > look

> > > > > forward to working with you to advance this important

> > legislation.

> > > > > Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism

and

> > their

> > > > > families.

> > > > > Sincerely,

> > > > > Pratt

> > > > > Chair, ASA Board of Directors

> > > > > cc: Senator Rick Santorum

> > > > > Senator Dodd

> > > > > Members of the Senate HELP Committee

> > > > >

> > > > > _____

> > > > >

> > > > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try

> > > > >

> > > >

> >

<http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music.

> > > > .c

> > > > > om/unlimited/> it free.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

July 8, 2006

If you want to hear the opinion of any membership of any

organization I guess you'd have to listen to them. Personally I've

just been doing what I've been doing for over ten years to bring

light to the situation.

I've seen much legislation and many earmarks changed over that time,

vaccines are only part of what I'm fighting to make folks see.

Yes too I agree, we need to show this is something folks don't want

for a reason...that reason being money.

Pretty simple really. But there isn't one person in the ASD

community that really has a right to speak for everyone else, nor

the choices that folks make either.

I've supported this for many years, gone to DC at least twice a

year, and have some good discussion with my legislators from MI on

this. There are folks that are listening.

In an essence too, most diseases are caused by damages to the immune

system in some way.....so this is bigger than just ASD.

Thanks for allowing me though to voice my opinion. I do think it's

important to honor everyone's individual choice.

Carolyn

> > > > >

> > > > > ASA Expresses Support to HELP Committee

> > > > > Friday, July 7, 2006

> > > > > Letter Recognizes Efforts on Combating Autism Bill

> > > > > In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Health,

> > Education,

> > > > Labor and

> > > > > Pensions (HELP), the Autism Society of America (ASA)

> > recognized the

> > > > > committee's efforts on behalf of the Combating Autism Bill

> > (CAA).

> > > > Senators

> > > > > Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Dodd (D-CT)

introduced

> > the

> > > > bill last

> > > > > spring. This important legislation, currently under

> > consideration

> > > > by the

> > > > > HELP Committee, will:

> > > > >

> > > > > * Double NIH spending on autism research

> > > > >

> > > > > * Reauthorize the Federal Interagency Autism

Coordinating

> > > > Committee

> > > > >

> > > > > * Require the National Institute of Environmental

Health

> > > > Sciences to

> > > > > create Centers of Excellence devoted to investigating

possible

> > > > environmental

> > > > > contributors to autism

> > > > >

> > > > > * Empower the director of the NIH to act as an " autism

czar, "

> > > > > developing an annual research budget for autism based on

the

> > best

> > > > science

> > > > > and requiring that budget be reported to Congress

> > > > >

> > > > > * Create a screening program in all 50 states for the

early

> > > > > identification of children with autism; short of a cure,

early

> > > > > identification leading to early intervention with

behavioral

> > > > services

> > > > > provides the best available outcomes for children with

autism

> > > > >

> > > > > * Fund the efforts to identify the best medical

practices in

> > > > the

> > > > > treatment of children with autism

> > > > >

> > > > > * Continue funding of the epidemiological and public

education

> > > > > programs on autism at the Centers for Disease Control

> > > > >

> > > > > * Authorize nearly $1.4 billion of federal spending on

autism

> > > > over the

> > > > > next five years, a " multi-front war on autism " from public

> > > > awareness and

> > > > > early diagnosis to basic biomedical research

> > > > >

> > > > > Text of Letter:

> > > > > Dear Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy:

> > > > > On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with autism and

their

> > > > families, we at

> > > > > the Autism Society of America (ASA) thank you for your

efforts

> > to

> > > > enact

> > > > > comprehensive legislation to strengthen autism research

and

> > > > improve autism

> > > > > related services. We strongly support your efforts, and

look

> > > > forward to

> > > > > continuing to work with you on this critical legislation.

> > > > > As you know, the original version of the Combating Autism

Act

> > was

> > > > introduced

> > > > > by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator

Dodd

> > (D-

> > > > CT) in 2005.

> > > > > The ASA supported this initial draft, but working with the

> > Senate

> > > > sponsors

> > > > > and others in the autism community, submitted a revised

draft

> > > > that, among

> > > > > other changes, included additional provisions to

strengthen

> > > > research into

> > > > > potential environmental causes of autism.

> > > > > While we remain steadfast in our support for the revised

> > > > legislation, we

> > > > > recognize that the legislative process is one that

requires

> > > > compromise and

> > > > > consensus building. We appreciate the competing interests

that

> > > > Senators must

> > > > > consider, and understand that certain provision of the

> > legislation

> > > > will

> > > > > require modification in order to build support for the

> > legislation

> > > > in the

> > > > > entire Senate.

> > > > > It is our understanding from your staff that the Committee

is

> > > > poised to

> > > > > consider a final bill in the coming weeks. While we must

> > reserve

> > > > final

> > > > > judgment on the legislation until we can review the draft,

we

> > are

> > > > confident

> > > > > that the Committee has done its best to craft a

comprehensive,

> > > > meaningful

> > > > > bill that will advance autism research, but will also gain

the

> > > > support of

> > > > > the majority of the Senate, and ultimately, be signed into

> > law. We

> > > > look

> > > > > forward to working with you to advance this important

> > legislation.

> > > > > Thank you, again, for your support for people with autism

and

> > their

> > > > > families.

> > > > > Sincerely,

> > > > > Pratt

> > > > > Chair, ASA Board of Directors

> > > > > cc: Senator Rick Santorum

> > > > > Senator Dodd

> > > > > Members of the Senate HELP Committee

> > > > >

> > > > > _____

> > > > >

> > > > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try

> > > > >

> > > >

> >

<http://pa./*http://us.rd./evt=36035/*http://music.

> > > > .c

> > > > > om/unlimited/> it free.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

July 8, 2006

> > >

> > > ,

> > >

> > > I agree that we need to establish the cause of any disorder,

any

> > > disease in hopes of finding a cure. However there are folks

with

> > > ASD that have voiced they don't want to be cured, that can't

be

> > > ignored.

> > >

> > > As I've said thought none of us has a right to be a voice for

all

> of

> > > the ASD community and individuals affected. But why is autism

> > > research so underfunding overall? Why do we have to carry

this

> > > burden as parents, doesn't make sense to me and I haven't seen

> much

> > > change in the twelve years we've been involved in this.

> > >

> > > Too I'm not discrediting anything anyone else is doing,

nor

> the

> > > support we given to any other organization, but I'm personally

> tired

> > > of ASD not getting parity in general across the board.

> > >

> > > Carolyn

> > >

> >

>

July 8, 2006

> > >

> > > ,

> > >

> > > I agree that we need to establish the cause of any disorder,

any

> > > disease in hopes of finding a cure. However there are folks

with

> > > ASD that have voiced they don't want to be cured, that can't

be

> > > ignored.

> > >

> > > As I've said thought none of us has a right to be a voice for

all

> of

> > > the ASD community and individuals affected. But why is autism

> > > research so underfunding overall? Why do we have to carry

this

> > > burden as parents, doesn't make sense to me and I haven't seen

> much

> > > change in the twelve years we've been involved in this.

> > >

> > > Too I'm not discrediting anything anyone else is doing,

nor

> the

> > > support we given to any other organization, but I'm personally

> tired

> > > of ASD not getting parity in general across the board.

> > >

> > > Carolyn

> > >

> >

>

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