A message of [false] hope in study of autism

[Guest guest]

" ...the UW program is looking at the relationships between the brain

and behavior in autism; language problems characteristic of autism;

early diagnosis of autism and resulting outcomes; neuroimaging of

autism; and the genetics of autism. "

Nothing about looking into the relationship between vaccines, mercury

and autism, of course. This editorial praises the pharma friendly

Pretending to Combat Autism Act. -Lenny

Editorial

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2003501532_autismed02.ht\

ml

A message of hope in study of autism

A few days before Christmas, President Bush signed the Combating

Autism Act of 2006, a hopeful message for the 1.5 million Americans

with the development disorder, and their families.

It is the sad common ground of autism — touching rich and poor,

Democrats and Republicans — that helped to swamp a disagreeably

stubborn House committee chairman in a lame-duck Congress to send the

bill to the president's desk.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a development disorder that affects

people's ability to communicate and interact with others. Some are

socially awkward; others need constant care; all are puzzles in their

own right. As many as one in 166 children are affected, and boys are

more likely to have it.

The federal law dedicates $1 billion over the next five years to

combat autism through research, screening, early intervention and

training. When funded, it will represent a 50 percent increase in

federal investment.

The University of Washington's renowned Autism Center is poised to

play an even larger role in finding solutions. Already designated a

center of excellence for two National Institutes of Health research

programs, the UW program is looking at the relationships between the

brain and behavior in autism; language problems characteristic of

autism; early diagnosis of autism and resulting outcomes; neuroimaging

of autism; and the genetics of autism.

When the state Legislature convenes Jan. 8, lawmakers will have in

hand the new report they commissioned from the Caring for Individuals

with Autism Task Force. Comprised of researchers, educators, state

officials and parents, the task force has recommended ways the state

can invest to improve the lives of people with autism from birth

through adulthood.

Autism's biggest challenge is its mystery, not only what causes it but

how best to reach those who have it so they can be more successful.

These efforts at both the federal and the state levels are important

steps down the long road to better solutions.