ASA Applauds President Bush’s Signing of Combating Autism Act

[Guest guest]

Heartfelt thanks to Bush....puhleaze.....

In 2001, he was behind the infamous Eli Lilly rider in the Homeland

Security Bill.

In 2003, he ignored Dan Burton's request to convene an autism

conference at the white house.

In 2004, he didn't even bother to respond to Unlocking Autism's

questions about getting merury out of vaccines when he was running

for re-election.

In 2005, he didn't react to a couple of different days where the

white houses phone lines were bombarded by concerned family, friends

and other people requesting mercury be removed from vaccines.

Yeah, heartfelt thanks to G Wubua...him and Santorum

saviors/champions of autism.

" Supporting basic and clinical research into the fields of

developmental neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, pharmacology,

nutrition, immunology, endocrinology, gastroenterology,

psychopharmacology, and toxicology; "

Where is the vaccine research...oh that's right it got removed. Why

is toxicology listed last... is that the amount of priority it will

be given? Genetics is second...

Also, can the ASA ever send anything out where they don't have to

explain who they are? I don't find them all that grassroot'sy..ish

anymore...

" About ASA

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. "

I propose they change their name to the Autism Society of Spin (ASS)

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ASA Applauds President Bush's Signing of Combating Autism Act

Landmark bill provides nearly $1 billion for autism research and

education

Bethesda, MD (12/19/2006) -- The Autism Society of America (ASA)

sends its heartfelt thanks to President W. Bush for signing S.

843, the Combating Autism Act, today. This critical legislation

authorizes almost $1 billion through 2011 in federal funding for

autism-related research, early detection and intervention.

After signing the Act, the President issued the following

statement: " For the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by

autism, today is a day of hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will

increase public awareness about this disorder and provide enhanced

federal support for autism research and treatment. By creating a

national education program for doctors and the public about autism,

this legislation will help more people recognize the symptoms of

autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention,

which is critical for children with autism. I am proud to sign this

bill into law and confident that it will serve as an important

foundation for our Nation's efforts to find a cure for autism.

ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman expressed his gratitude to the

President and all the members of Congress taking leadership on this

effort. " This is only the beginning of ASA's commitment to ensure

federal for autism is spent wisely and, in the most effective way, "

commented Grossman. " Now, we hope that Congress will get to work on a

comprehensive services bill for individuals with autism, including

reforming Medicaid-funding waivers, employment incentives, housing

improvements, job training and so much more. "

ASA will work actively on the Hill in the 110th Congress to ensure

further legislation for autism services, education, and environmental

health.

S. 843, authored by Senators Santorum and Dodd, first passed

unanimously in the Senate on August 3, 2006. The U.S. House passed an

amended version on December 6, 2006. Key provisions of the bill

include:

Developing and implementing a strategic plan for research related to

autism spectrum disorders;

Reauthorizing Autism Centers of Excellence and providing funds to the

centers for coordination of services and information for patients;

Supporting basic and clinical research into the fields of

developmental neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, pharmacology,

nutrition, immunology, endocrinology, gastroenterology,

psychopharmacology, and toxicology;

Improving coordination of the various federal, State, and local

supports and services available to persons with autism and families

affected by autism;

Increasing the number of providers that can screen, diagnosis and

provide interventions to persons with autism; and,

Promoting research to determine evidence-based best practices for

diagnosis, early detection, prevention, intervention and

possible/potential cure for autism spectrum disorders.

About Autism

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.

About ASA

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.