Fw: Statement By Secretary Sebelius on National Autism Awareness Month

[Guest guest]

Statement By Secretary Sebelius on National Autism Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Contact: HHS Press Office

Statement By Secretary Sebelius on National Autism Awareness Month

During National Autism Awareness Month, we reflect on an urgent public

health challenge and rededicate ourselves to addressing the complex needs of

people with autism and their families. Over the last decade, we've learned

that autism is far more prevalent than we had previously believed, affecting

one out of every 110 American children. While we still have a lot to learn

about what causes autism and which treatments can help people with autism

thrive, we're getting closer to finding answers thanks to a historic new

investment in autism research. At the same time, we continue to improve

lives by educating health care professionals about how to detect the

disorder early, funding networks of providers and parents that spread

information about the most promising autism treatments, and helping autistic

children get the support they need in school. We took another step forward

last month when President Obama signed a health reform bill that will make

it illegal for insurance companies to deny health insurance to people

because they have autism.

This month, we recognize the significant challenges that Americans with

autism face and rededicate ourselves to these efforts to address them.

For more information on the Department's efforts regarding autism, please

visit http://www.hhs.gov/autism/

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are

available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.