Fw: Action Alert: Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA) Introduced Today

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Action Alert: Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA) Introduced Today

December 20, 2010 ACTION ALERT!

Combating Autism Reauthorization Act Introduced!

Dear Geraldine

We are pleased to announce that Senator Dodd (CT), along with Senator Menendez (NJ) introduced the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA) of 2010 (S.4044) late this past Friday. This new legislation would reauthorize the landmark Combating Autism Act of 2006 (CAA), significantly increasing both the depth and breadth of the federal response to the national and public health emergency posed by autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Please take a minute today to TAKE ACTION in support of CARA!

Here is How YOU Can Help:

1) CALL AND THANK SENATORS DODD AND MENENDEZ! Call Senators Dodd (CT) and Menendez (NJ) and thank them for their leadership in introducing the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (S.4044).

Senator Dodd - Senator Menendez -

2) CLICK HERE TO SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR U.S. SENATORS AND URGE THEIR SUPPOR FOR CARA! Make sure to personalize the email and explain briefly why your Senators' support for this bill would mean so much to your family.3) FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO TEN PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND ASK THEM TO TAKE ACTION IN SUPPORT OF CARA TOO! There is no doubt you have heard someone say "I wish there is something we can do to help." Now they can. Ask them to help you by registering at www.autismvotes.org and doing Steps 1 and 2 today.

As a result of the 2006 CAA, our community has made tremendous strides in federally-funded and directed research. It was the detailed surveillance by the Centers for Disease Control under the CAA that identified the increasing prevalence of autism: now a staggering 1 in every 110 American children – including 1 in 70 boys – is diagnosed with an ASD, making it the nation’s fastest-growing, serious developmental disorder.

Additional significant advances under the CAA have been realized, including:

improved ASD screening methods and universal screening recommendations; development of effective early intervention methods for toddlers with autism; creation of clinical networks aimed at improving physical and behavioral health; identification of several autism susceptibility genes, leading to discoveries of new methods for diagnosis and treatments; and development of best practice standards of care for co-morbid medical conditions including sleep and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Combating Autism Act of 2006 finally put us in the right direction toward formulating and implementing an effective research strategy to investigate the mysteries of autism. It is imperative that we continue to refine and intensify research into the potential causes of autism and determine ways we can improve the lives of people living with autism today, as well as their families.

Please support the CARA by taking action today! Your support on this issue is crucial in order to continue to address the public health crisis of autism and to help individuals with autism and their families across the country.

Check out www.AutismVotes.org/CARA for updated news and information on this bill.

Thank you!

Your Autism Votes Team

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