!!Combating autism: Santorum's bill would provide almost $1B!!

June 11, 2006

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_457595.html

Combating autism: Santorum's bill would provide almost $1B

Photo Gallery

click to enlarge

Coaxing Tyler

Bridge/Contributing photographer

Federal funding

The Combating Autism Act would authorize almost $1 billion in spending on

autism research, training and treatment over five years. Although the bill's

language has not been finalized, the amounts listed in last year's proposal are

not expected to change significantly. Here's what the bill would authorize the

federal government to spend on autism:

• $435 million: Expanding and coordinating research overseen by the National

Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• $375 million: Improving and speeding the screening and diagnosis process.

• $50 million: Training programs for doctors, scientists and health-care

professionals.

• $20 million: Improving medical care and the dissemination of information on

treatment for autistic patients.

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Print this article

E-mail this article

Subscribe to this paper

Larger / Smaller Text

By Liz

VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Shelby Hainan can name dozens of things that would make life with her

6-year-old autistic son easier. She wishes a nearby school district had an

autism support classroom so she wouldn't be faced with the decision of

home-schooling Tyler next year, sending him to a class that's a half-hour drive

away or having him remain in an emotional support classroom at Kiski Area

School District that doesn't suit his needs.

She's working with limited resources -- both in her finances and in the area's

professional services -- to get Tyler the correct level of medication and

behavioral, speech and occupational therapy to keep him calm and focused enough

to learn.

And she's trying to scrape together enough money to build a fence around her

Washington Township home so she can take Tyler outside without worrying about

him bolting into traffic on nearby Route 66 or disappearing into the

surrounding woods.

" I cannot take my son outside because it's not safe, " Hainan said as she looked

into her tree-lined, sunny back yard from the inside of her locked house.

Hainan is not unique in her experience with autism and her criticism of the

availability of services in the region. As the rate at which autism spectrum

disorders are diagnosed continues to rise dramatically, more and more families

are likely to share her problems.

Federal legislation sponsored a year ago by Sen. Rick Santorum would help

address some of the difficulties experienced by families affected by autism.

The Combating Autism Act, proposed in April 2005 by Santorum, R-Penn Hills, and

Sen. Dodd, D-Connecticut, would funnel almost $1 billion over five

years toward expanded research and improved diagnosis, treatment and

professional training.

One of the bill's provisions would require all children to be screened for

autism before they reach their second birthday because research has shown that

early intervention of therapy and educational services helps children with

autism or other developmental disorders to overcome their disabilities.

Sharon Huss, a New Kensington resident and former therapy provider, said the

services her autistic son, , 2, receives have made a significant

improvement in his language and communication skills.

" We've been really blessed with our early intervention program, " Huss said,

noting that is able to communicate through sign language.

Huss also advocates better training for pediatricians so they can recognize the

symptoms of autism earlier, which could get autistic children into early

intervention programs sooner.

The Combating Autism Act includes money for training programs for doctors,

scientists and other health professionals to improve diagnosis and treatment of

autism.

The act also would double the number of Autism Centers of Excellence, which

were established in 2000 by the National Institutes of Health to centralize

research on the causes and treatment of autism.

Another requirement would be for the National Institutes of Health and the

Centers for Disease Control to create long-range goals for autism research and

to continue to centralize autism research among the many government agencies

involved.

Carpenter, the chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh-based Advisory

Board on Autism and Related Disorders (ABOARD), said his organization is very

supportive of the Combating Autism Act.

" There's not a bill that's perfect, but this is a substantial piece of

legislation, " Carpenter said. " It will benefit the autism world.

" This will double autism funding at the National Institutes of Health, "

Carpenter added. " This is a tremendous improvement over the past. "

Grieve-, the clinical director for North Huntingdon-based therapy

provider Family Behavioral Resources, said any legislation that increases

funding for research and training would be welcomed.

" Most therapists weren't taught about autism in school, " Grieve- said.

" We learn about it in the field. "

With better-trained therapists working with children whose autism was

diagnosed sooner, Grieve- said autistic children have a better chance to

thrive and lead normal lives.

" The diagnosis rate is just skyrocketing, " Grieve- said, noting that FBR

treats 800 autistic children in the region. The agency has 13 offices,

including one in New Kensington.

Carpenter noted that, while autism advocacy organizations are supportive of the

legislation, some are concerned that language authorizing research into

possible environmental causes of autism could be cut.

Some people believe that thimerosal, a mercury-based substance once used as a

preservative in childhood vaccines, causes or helps trigger autism. Not only

are many autism cases diagnosed at about the time that children finish a series

of childhood immunizations, but many of autism's symptoms can mimic those of

mercury poisoning.

Many government-sponsored studies have tried to rule out thimerosal's role in

autism but parents and autism support organizations have not been convinced,

questioning the impartiality and accuracy of the studies.

E-mails circulated by organizations including ABOARD have accused American

Academy of Pediatrics' lobbyists of working to remove environmental research

language from the bill.

Marjorie Tharp, a spokeswoman for the academy in Washington, said the

organization has not taken a position on the legislation and is not lobbying

for or against it.

" The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports ongoing research to

determine the cause or causes of autism, to improve screening, diagnosis and

treatment standards and to find ways to prevent it, " she said.

A spokesman for the National Institutes of Health declined to comment on the

bill, noting that it was NIH policy not to take a position on pending

legislation.

A Santorum spokesman said the bill's language is being finalized among members

of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, but he said

provisions for environmental research will remain in the bill.

" We absolutely are keeping in the environmental research, " said

Traynham, Santorum's director of communications.

However, he said research into thimerosal and vaccines likely won't be

mentioned in the bill because it is unusual for legislation to be that specific

in identifying research topics.

" It is preferred to let the science lead where it leads, not exclude any

possibilities or draw any preconclusions, " Traynham said.

He noted that it is very rare for Congress to get involved in disease-specific

legislation, and that the bill is unlikely to pass unless it is widely

supported by the autism community.

" They (Congress) won't go near this with a 10-foot pole if there is not a

consensus, " Traynham said.

Traynham said Santorum hopes the committee will approve the Combating Autism

Act in the upcoming weeks and that it will go to the entire Senate for a vote.

" We strongly believe something needs to be done about autism, " he said. " (The

legislation) is timely and very much needed. "

It couldn't come too soon for Shelby Hainan and her son, Tyler.

" They're not talked about as much as other special needs kids, " Hainan said of

autistic children. " If you've got a mental retardation diagnosis, you've got it

made. They have the facilities and services for them.

" I'm always fighting somebody for him, " she said.

She gazed around her modest home, where she uses dog leashes to secure her

kitchen cabinets, locks every door and has cleared the shelves of knickknacks

to prevent Tyler from smashing valuables or smearing food on himself.

" You can't leave him alone for 20 seconds or it's a disaster, " Hainan said.

" But I'm crazy about him. I'd have him all over again. "

About autism

Autism is a developmental disorder associated with a wide range of behavioral,

communication and learning problems. It is classified under the umbrella of

autism spectrum disorders, which include Aspergers syndrome and

pervasive-development disorder as well as classic autism.

Part of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating autism lies in the disparity

in symptoms.

Some autistic children never speak while others can talk normally. Some throw

tantrums over something as simple as a missing puzzle piece while others rarely

react to their environment. Some have severe mental retardation while others

have few learning problems.

Other characteristics include obsessive-compulsive tendencies, problems with

sensory overload and self-stimulating behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking

and jumping.

Prevalence of autism

Although no national data exist that clearly show how common autism has become,

research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that from

1 in 500 to 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

The CDC estimates 24,000 children are diagnosed with autism every year -- or

about one child every 20 minutes.

Autism is more common than all other developmental disabilities except for

mental retardation, which affects about 1 in 100 children.

Prevalence rates for other childhood disorders and illnesses include:

• Cerebral palsy: 1 in 350

• Diabetes: 1 in 400 to 500

• Cancer: 1 in 6,600.

Liz can be reached at lhayes@... or (724) 226-4680.

__________________________________________________

June 12, 2006

Keeping the environmental language in..a good thing. Not discussing

thimerosal in the bill..a possible bad thing?

But to get it passed...probably a good thing. (unless we get screwed

again)

Doctor training on treatment...I would love to see them at DAN

conferences and A1...will it be in my lifetime????

More likely it will be years of reinventing the wheel...blind men with

the elephant?

But, this was a very good article!

>

> Well let me tell you about the " birds and the bees and the flowers

and the trees and the moon up above- and their connection to a thing

called autism. "

>

> !!Combating autism: Santorum's bill would

provide almost $1B!!

>

> http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_457595.html

>

> Combating autism: Santorum's bill would provide almost $1B

> Photo Gallery

> click to enlarge

>

> Coaxing Tyler

> Bridge/Contributing photographer

> Federal funding

> The Combating Autism Act would authorize almost $1 billion

in spending on autism research, training and treatment over five

years. Although the bill's language has not been finalized, the

amounts listed in last year's proposal are not expected to change

significantly.

> Here's what the bill would authorize the federal government

to spend on autism:

> . $435 million: Expanding and coordinating research overseen

by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention.

> . $375 million: Improving and speeding the screening and

diagnosis process.

> . $50 million: Training programs for doctors, scientists and

health-care professionals.

> . $20 million: Improving medical care and the dissemination

of information on treatment for autistic patients.

> Tools

> Print this article

> E-mail this article

> Subscribe to this paper

> Larger / Smaller Text

>

> By Liz

> VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH

> Sunday, June 11, 2006

>

> Shelby Hainan can name dozens of things that would make life with

her 6-year-old autistic son easier.

> She wishes a nearby school district had an autism support

classroom so she wouldn't be faced with the decision of home-schooling

Tyler next year, sending him to a class that's a half-hour drive away

or having him remain in an emotional support classroom at Kiski Area

School District that doesn't suit his needs.

> She's working with limited resources -- both in her finances and

in the area's professional services -- to get Tyler the correct level

of medication and behavioral, speech and occupational therapy to keep

him calm and focused enough to learn.

> And she's trying to scrape together enough money to build a fence

around her Washington Township home so she can take Tyler outside

without worrying about him bolting into traffic on nearby Route 66 or

disappearing into the surrounding woods.

>

> " I cannot take my son outside because it's not safe, " Hainan said

as she looked into her tree-lined, sunny back yard from the inside of

her locked house.

> Hainan is not unique in her experience with autism and her

criticism of the availability of services in the region. As the rate

at which autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed continues to rise

dramatically, more and more families are likely to share her problems.

> Federal legislation sponsored a year ago by Sen. Rick Santorum

would help address some of the difficulties experienced by families

affected by autism.

> The Combating Autism Act, proposed in April 2005 by Santorum,

R-Penn Hills, and Sen. Dodd, D-Connecticut, would funnel

almost $1 billion over five years toward expanded research and

improved diagnosis, treatment and professional training.

> One of the bill's provisions would require all children to be

screened for autism before they reach their second birthday because

research has shown that early intervention of therapy and educational

services helps children with autism or other developmental disorders

to overcome their disabilities.

> Sharon Huss, a New Kensington resident and former therapy

provider, said the services her autistic son, , 2, receives have

made a significant improvement in his language and communication skills.

> " We've been really blessed with our early intervention program, "

Huss said, noting that is able to communicate through sign

language.

> Huss also advocates better training for pediatricians so they can

recognize the symptoms of autism earlier, which could get autistic

children into early intervention programs sooner.

> The Combating Autism Act includes money for training programs for

doctors, scientists and other health professionals to improve

diagnosis and treatment of autism.

> The act also would double the number of Autism Centers of

Excellence, which were established in 2000 by the National Institutes

of Health to centralize research on the causes and treatment of autism.

> Another requirement would be for the National Institutes of Health

and the Centers for Disease Control to create long-range goals for

autism research and to continue to centralize autism research among

the many government agencies involved.

> Carpenter, the chief executive officer of the

Pittsburgh-based Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders

(ABOARD), said his organization is very supportive of the Combating

Autism Act.

> " There's not a bill that's perfect, but this is a substantial

piece of legislation, " Carpenter said. " It will benefit the autism world.

> " This will double autism funding at the National Institutes of

Health, " Carpenter added. " This is a tremendous improvement over the

past. "

> Grieve-, the clinical director for North

Huntingdon-based therapy provider Family Behavioral Resources, said

any legislation that increases funding for research and training would

be welcomed.

> " Most therapists weren't taught about autism in school, "

Grieve- said. " We learn about it in the field. "

> With better-trained therapists working with children whose autism

was diagnosed sooner, Grieve- said autistic children have a

better chance to thrive and lead normal lives.

> " The diagnosis rate is just skyrocketing, " Grieve- said,

noting that FBR treats 800 autistic children in the region. The agency

has 13 offices, including one in New Kensington.

> Carpenter noted that, while autism advocacy organizations are

supportive of the legislation, some are concerned that language

authorizing research into possible environmental causes of autism

could be cut.

> Some people believe that thimerosal, a mercury-based substance

once used as a preservative in childhood vaccines, causes or helps

trigger autism. Not only are many autism cases diagnosed at about the

time that children finish a series of childhood immunizations, but

many of autism's symptoms can mimic those of mercury poisoning.

> Many government-sponsored studies have tried to rule out

thimerosal's role in autism but parents and autism support

organizations have not been convinced, questioning the impartiality

and accuracy of the studies.

> E-mails circulated by organizations including ABOARD have accused

American Academy of Pediatrics' lobbyists of working to remove

environmental research language from the bill.

> Marjorie Tharp, a spokeswoman for the academy in Washington, said

the organization has not taken a position on the legislation and is

not lobbying for or against it.

> " The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports ongoing

research to determine the cause or causes of autism, to improve

screening, diagnosis and treatment standards and to find ways to

prevent it, " she said.

> A spokesman for the National Institutes of Health declined to

comment on the bill, noting that it was NIH policy not to take a

position on pending legislation.

> A Santorum spokesman said the bill's language is being finalized

among members of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

Committee, but he said provisions for environmental research will

remain in the bill.

> " We absolutely are keeping in the environmental research, " said

Traynham, Santorum's director of communications.

> However, he said research into thimerosal and vaccines likely

won't be mentioned in the bill because it is unusual for legislation

to be that specific in identifying research topics.

> " It is preferred to let the science lead where it leads, not

exclude any possibilities or draw any preconclusions, " Traynham said.

> He noted that it is very rare for Congress to get involved in

disease-specific legislation, and that the bill is unlikely to pass

unless it is widely supported by the autism community.

> " They (Congress) won't go near this with a 10-foot pole if there

is not a consensus, " Traynham said.

> Traynham said Santorum hopes the committee will approve the

Combating Autism Act in the upcoming weeks and that it will go to the

entire Senate for a vote.

> " We strongly believe something needs to be done about autism, " he

said. " (The legislation) is timely and very much needed. "

> It couldn't come too soon for Shelby Hainan and her son, Tyler.

> " They're not talked about as much as other special needs kids, "

Hainan said of autistic children. " If you've got a mental retardation

diagnosis, you've got it made. They have the facilities and services

for them.

> " I'm always fighting somebody for him, " she said.

> She gazed around her modest home, where she uses dog leashes to

secure her kitchen cabinets, locks every door and has cleared the

shelves of knickknacks to prevent Tyler from smashing valuables or

smearing food on himself.

> " You can't leave him alone for 20 seconds or it's a disaster, "

Hainan said. " But I'm crazy about him. I'd have him all over again. "

> About autism

> Autism is a developmental disorder associated with a wide range of

behavioral, communication and learning problems. It is classified

under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders, which include

Aspergers syndrome and pervasive-development disorder as well as

classic autism.

> Part of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating autism lies in

the disparity in symptoms.

> Some autistic children never speak while others can talk normally.

Some throw tantrums over something as simple as a missing puzzle piece

while others rarely react to their environment. Some have severe

mental retardation while others have few learning problems.

> Other characteristics include obsessive-compulsive tendencies,

problems with sensory overload and self-stimulating behaviors such as

hand-flapping, rocking and jumping.

> Prevalence of autism

> Although no national data exist that clearly show how common

autism has become, research by the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention indicates that from 1 in 500 to 1 in 166 children are

diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

> The CDC estimates 24,000 children are diagnosed with autism every

year -- or about one child every 20 minutes.

> Autism is more common than all other developmental disabilities

except for mental retardation, which affects about 1 in 100 children.

> Prevalence rates for other childhood disorders and illnesses include:

> . Cerebral palsy: 1 in 350

> . Diabetes: 1 in 400 to 500

> . Cancer: 1 in 6,600.

> Liz can be reached at lhayes@... or (724) 226-4680.

>

> __________________________________________________

>

June 12, 2006

Can we get them to stop causing it in the first place?!

S S

Combating autism: Santorum's bill would provide almost $1B

Photo Gallery

click to enlarge

Coaxing Tyler

Bridge/Contributing photographer

Federal funding

The Combating Autism Act would authorize almost $1 billion in spending on

autism research, training and treatment over five years. Although the bill's

language has not been finalized, the amounts listed in last year's proposal are

not expected to change significantly. Here's what the bill would authorize the

federal government to spend on autism:

• $435 million: Expanding and coordinating research overseen by the National

Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• $375 million: Improving and speeding the screening and diagnosis process.

• $50 million: Training programs for doctors, scientists and health-care

professionals.

• $20 million: Improving medical care and the dissemination of information on

treatment for autistic patients.

_______________________________________________

Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com

The most personalized portal on the Web!

June 12, 2006

Bring up thimerosal specifically, and you may kill the bill.

You're not going to pass legislation trying to determine the responsibility of the foxes guarding the chicken coop.

Get the legislation passed, sort it out from there.

Put pressure on from there- coordinated with private research funding doing studies along same lines.

Vote the deniers out of office.

Gore/Warner will be credible.

!!Combating autism: Santorum's bill wouldprovide almost $1B!!> > > http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_457595.html> > > > Combating autism: Santorum's bill would provide almost $1B> Photo Gallery> click to enlarge> > Coaxing Tyler > Bridge/Contributing photographer> Federal funding> The Combating Autism Act would authorize almost $1 billionin spending on autism research, training and treatment over fiveyears. Although the bill's language has not been finalized, theamounts listed in last year's proposal are not expected to changesignificantly. > Here's what the bill would authorize the federal governmentto spend on autism: > . $435 million: Expanding and coordinating research overseenby the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention. > . $375 million: Improving and speeding the screening anddiagnosis process. > . $50 million: Training programs for doctors, scientists andhealth-care professionals. > . $20 million: Improving medical care and the disseminationof information on treatment for autistic patients. > Tools> Print this article> E-mail this article> Subscribe to this paper> Larger / Smaller Text> > By Liz > VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH> Sunday, June 11, 2006 > > > Shelby Hainan can name dozens of things that would make life withher 6-year-old autistic son easier. > She wishes a nearby school district had an autism supportclassroom so she wouldn't be faced with the decision of home-schoolingTyler next year, sending him to a class that's a half-hour drive awayor having him remain in an emotional support classroom at Kiski AreaSchool District that doesn't suit his needs. > She's working with limited resources -- both in her finances andin the area's professional services -- to get Tyler the correct levelof medication and behavioral, speech and occupational therapy to keephim calm and focused enough to learn. > And she's trying to scrape together enough money to build a fencearound her Washington Township home so she can take Tyler outsidewithout worrying about him bolting into traffic on nearby Route 66 ordisappearing into the surrounding woods. > > "I cannot take my son outside because it's not safe," Hainan saidas she looked into her tree-lined, sunny back yard from the inside ofher locked house. > Hainan is not unique in her experience with autism and hercriticism of the availability of services in the region. As the rateat which autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed continues to risedramatically, more and more families are likely to share her problems. > Federal legislation sponsored a year ago by Sen. Rick Santorumwould help address some of the difficulties experienced by familiesaffected by autism. > The Combating Autism Act, proposed in April 2005 by Santorum,R-Penn Hills, and Sen. Dodd, D-Connecticut, would funnelalmost $1 billion over five years toward expanded research andimproved diagnosis, treatment and professional training. > One of the bill's provisions would require all children to bescreened for autism before they reach their second birthday becauseresearch has shown that early intervention of therapy and educationalservices helps children with autism or other developmental disordersto overcome their disabilities. > Sharon Huss, a New Kensington resident and former therapyprovider, said the services her autistic son, , 2, receives havemade a significant improvement in his language and communication skills. > "We've been really blessed with our early intervention program,"Huss said, noting that is able to communicate through signlanguage. > Huss also advocates better training for pediatricians so they canrecognize the symptoms of autism earlier, which could get autisticchildren into early intervention programs sooner. > The Combating Autism Act includes money for training programs fordoctors, scientists and other health professionals to improvediagnosis and treatment of autism. > The act also would double the number of Autism Centers ofExcellence, which were established in 2000 by the National Institutesof Health to centralize research on the causes and treatment of autism. > Another requirement would be for the National Institutes of Healthand the Centers for Disease Control to create long-range goals forautism research and to continue to centralize autism research amongthe many government agencies involved. > Carpenter, the chief executive officer of thePittsburgh-based Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders(ABOARD), said his organization is very supportive of the CombatingAutism Act. > "There's not a bill that's perfect, but this is a substantialpiece of legislation," Carpenter said. "It will benefit the autism world. > "This will double autism funding at the National Institutes ofHealth," Carpenter added. "This is a tremendous improvement over thepast." > Grieve-, the clinical director for NorthHuntingdon-based therapy provider Family Behavioral Resources, saidany legislation that increases funding for research and training wouldbe welcomed. > "Most therapists weren't taught about autism in school,"Grieve- said. "We learn about it in the field." > With better-trained therapists working with children whose autismwas diagnosed sooner, Grieve- said autistic children have abetter chance to thrive and lead normal lives. > "The diagnosis rate is just skyrocketing," Grieve- said,noting that FBR treats 800 autistic children in the region. The agencyhas 13 offices, including one in New Kensington. > Carpenter noted that, while autism advocacy organizations aresupportive of the legislation, some are concerned that languageauthorizing research into possible environmental causes of autismcould be cut. > Some people believe that thimerosal, a mercury-based substanceonce used as a preservative in childhood vaccines, causes or helpstrigger autism. Not only are many autism cases diagnosed at about thetime that children finish a series of childhood immunizations, butmany of autism's symptoms can mimic those of mercury poisoning. > Many government-sponsored studies have tried to rule outthimerosal's role in autism but parents and autism supportorganizations have not been convinced, questioning the impartialityand accuracy of the studies. > E-mails circulated by organizations including ABOARD have accusedAmerican Academy of Pediatrics' lobbyists of working to removeenvironmental research language from the bill. > Marjorie Tharp, a spokeswoman for the academy in Washington, saidthe organization has not taken a position on the legislation and isnot lobbying for or against it. > "The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports ongoingresearch to determine the cause or causes of autism, to improvescreening, diagnosis and treatment standards and to find ways toprevent it," she said. > A spokesman for the National Institutes of Health declined tocomment on the bill, noting that it was NIH policy not to take aposition on pending legislation. > A Santorum spokesman said the bill's language is being finalizedamong members of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and PensionsCommittee, but he said provisions for environmental research willremain in the bill. > "We absolutely are keeping in the environmental research," said Traynham, Santorum's director of communications. > However, he said research into thimerosal and vaccines likelywon't be mentioned in the bill because it is unusual for legislationto be that specific in identifying research topics. > "It is preferred to let the science lead where it leads, notexclude any possibilities or draw any preconclusions," Traynham said. > He noted that it is very rare for Congress to get involved indisease-specific legislation, and that the bill is unlikely to passunless it is widely supported by the autism community. > "They (Congress) won't go near this with a 10-foot pole if thereis not a consensus," Traynham said. > Traynham said Santorum hopes the committee will approve theCombating Autism Act in the upcoming weeks and that it will go to theentire Senate for a vote. > "We strongly believe something needs to be done about autism," hesaid. "(The legislation) is timely and very much needed." > It couldn't come too soon for Shelby Hainan and her son, Tyler. > "They're not talked about as much as other special needs kids,"Hainan said of autistic children. "If you've got a mental retardationdiagnosis, you've got it made. They have the facilities and servicesfor them. > "I'm always fighting somebody for him," she said. > She gazed around her modest home, where she uses dog leashes tosecure her kitchen cabinets, locks every door and has cleared theshelves of knickknacks to prevent Tyler from smashing valuables orsmearing food on himself. > "You can't leave him alone for 20 seconds or it's a disaster,"Hainan said. "But I'm crazy about him. I'd have him all over again." > About autism > Autism is a developmental disorder associated with a wide range ofbehavioral, communication and learning problems. It is classifiedunder the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders, which includeAspergers syndrome and pervasive-development disorder as well asclassic autism. > Part of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating autism lies inthe disparity in symptoms. > Some autistic children never speak while others can talk normally.Some throw tantrums over something as simple as a missing puzzle piecewhile others rarely react to their environment. Some have severemental retardation while others have few learning problems. > Other characteristics include obsessive-compulsive tendencies,problems with sensory overload and self-stimulating behaviors such ashand-flapping, rocking and jumping. > Prevalence of autism > Although no national data exist that clearly show how commonautism has become, research by the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention indicates that from 1 in 500 to 1 in 166 children arediagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. > The CDC estimates 24,000 children are diagnosed with autism everyyear -- or about one child every 20 minutes. > Autism is more common than all other developmental disabilitiesexcept for mental retardation, which affects about 1 in 100 children. > Prevalence rates for other childhood disorders and illnesses include: > . Cerebral palsy: 1 in 350 > . Diabetes: 1 in 400 to 500 > . Cancer: 1 in 6,600. > Liz can be reached at lhayes@... or (724) 226-4680. > > > __________________________________________________>

June 12, 2006

You not going to ever get anything to done by being quiet and nice. Fueling the cover-up is a horrible idea.

!!Combating autism: Santorum's bill wouldprovide almost $1B!!> > > http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_457595.html> > > > Combating autism: Santorum's bill would provide almost $1B> Photo Gallery> click to enlarge> > Coaxing Tyler > Bridge/Contributing photographer> Federal funding> The Combating Autism Act would authorize almost $1 billionin spending on autism research, training and treatment over fiveyears. Although the bill's language has not been finalized, theamounts listed in last year's proposal are not expected to changesignificantly. > Here's what the bill would authorize the federal governmentto spend on autism: > . $435 million: Expanding and coordinating research overseenby the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention. > . $375 million: Improving and speeding the screening anddiagnosis process. > . $50 million: Training programs for doctors, scientists andhealth-care professionals. > . $20 million: Improving medical care and the disseminationof information on treatment for autistic patients. > Tools> Print this article> E-mail this article> Subscribe to this paper> Larger / Smaller Text> > By Liz > VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH> Sunday, June 11, 2006 > > > Shelby Hainan can name dozens of things that would make life withher 6-year-old autistic son easier. > She wishes a nearby school district had an autism supportclassroom so she wouldn't be faced with the decision of home-schoolingTyler next year, sending him to a class that's a half-hour drive awayor having him remain in an emotional support classroom at Kiski AreaSchool District that doesn't suit his needs. > She's working with limited resources -- both in her finances andin the area's professional services -- to get Tyler the correct levelof medication and behavioral, speech and occupational therapy to keephim calm and focused enough to learn. > And she's trying to scrape together enough money to build a fencearound her Washington Township home so she can take Tyler outsidewithout worrying about him bolting into traffic on nearby Route 66 ordisappearing into the surrounding woods. > > "I cannot take my son outside because it's not safe," Hainan saidas she looked into her tree-lined, sunny back yard from the inside ofher locked house. > Hainan is not unique in her experience with autism and hercriticism of the availability of services in the region. As the rateat which autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed continues to risedramatically, more and more families are likely to share her problems. > Federal legislation sponsored a year ago by Sen. Rick Santorumwould help address some of the difficulties experienced by familiesaffected by autism. > The Combating Autism Act, proposed in April 2005 by Santorum,R-Penn Hills, and Sen. Dodd, D-Connecticut, would funnelalmost $1 billion over five years toward expanded research andimproved diagnosis, treatment and professional training. > One of the bill's provisions would require all children to bescreened for autism before they reach their second birthday becauseresearch has shown that early intervention of therapy and educationalservices helps children with autism or other developmental disordersto overcome their disabilities. > Sharon Huss, a New Kensington resident and former therapyprovider, said the services her autistic son, , 2, receives havemade a significant improvement in his language and communication skills. > "We've been really blessed with our early intervention program,"Huss said, noting that is able to communicate through signlanguage. > Huss also advocates better training for pediatricians so they canrecognize the symptoms of autism earlier, which could get autisticchildren into early intervention programs sooner. > The Combating Autism Act includes money for training programs fordoctors, scientists and other health professionals to improvediagnosis and treatment of autism. > The act also would double the number of Autism Centers ofExcellence, which were established in 2000 by the National Institutesof Health to centralize research on the causes and treatment of autism. > Another requirement would be for the National Institutes of Healthand the Centers for Disease Control to create long-range goals forautism research and to continue to centralize autism research amongthe many government agencies involved. > Carpenter, the chief executive officer of thePittsburgh-based Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders(ABOARD), said his organization is very supportive of the CombatingAutism Act. > "There's not a bill that's perfect, but this is a substantialpiece of legislation," Carpenter said. "It will benefit the autism world. > "This will double autism funding at the National Institutes ofHealth," Carpenter added. "This is a tremendous improvement over thepast." > Grieve-, the clinical director for NorthHuntingdon-based therapy provider Family Behavioral Resources, saidany legislation that increases funding for research and training wouldbe welcomed. > "Most therapists weren't taught about autism in school,"Grieve- said. "We learn about it in the field." > With better-trained therapists working with children whose autismwas diagnosed sooner, Grieve- said autistic children have abetter chance to thrive and lead normal lives. > "The diagnosis rate is just skyrocketing," Grieve- said,noting that FBR treats 800 autistic children in the region. The agencyhas 13 offices, including one in New Kensington. > Carpenter noted that, while autism advocacy organizations aresupportive of the legislation, some are concerned that languageauthorizing research into possible environmental causes of autismcould be cut. > Some people believe that thimerosal, a mercury-based substanceonce used as a preservative in childhood vaccines, causes or helpstrigger autism. Not only are many autism cases diagnosed at about thetime that children finish a series of childhood immunizations, butmany of autism's symptoms can mimic those of mercury poisoning. > Many government-sponsored studies have tried to rule outthimerosal's role in autism but parents and autism supportorganizations have not been convinced, questioning the impartialityand accuracy of the studies. > E-mails circulated by organizations including ABOARD have accusedAmerican Academy of Pediatrics' lobbyists of working to removeenvironmental research language from the bill. > Marjorie Tharp, a spokeswoman for the academy in Washington, saidthe organization has not taken a position on the legislation and isnot lobbying for or against it. > "The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports ongoingresearch to determine the cause or causes of autism, to improvescreening, diagnosis and treatment standards and to find ways toprevent it," she said. > A spokesman for the National Institutes of Health declined tocomment on the bill, noting that it was NIH policy not to take aposition on pending legislation. > A Santorum spokesman said the bill's language is being finalizedamong members of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and PensionsCommittee, but he said provisions for environmental research willremain in the bill. > "We absolutely are keeping in the environmental research," said Traynham, Santorum's director of communications. > However, he said research into thimerosal and vaccines likelywon't be mentioned in the bill because it is unusual for legislationto be that specific in identifying research topics. > "It is preferred to let the science lead where it leads, notexclude any possibilities or draw any preconclusions," Traynham said. > He noted that it is very rare for Congress to get involved indisease-specific legislation, and that the bill is unlikely to passunless it is widely supported by the autism community. > "They (Congress) won't go near this with a 10-foot pole if thereis not a consensus," Traynham said. > Traynham said Santorum hopes the committee will approve theCombating Autism Act in the upcoming weeks and that it will go to theentire Senate for a vote. > "We strongly believe something needs to be done about autism," hesaid. "(The legislation) is timely and very much needed." > It couldn't come too soon for Shelby Hainan and her son, Tyler. > "They're not talked about as much as other special needs kids,"Hainan said of autistic children. "If you've got a mental retardationdiagnosis, you've got it made. They have the facilities and servicesfor them. > "I'm always fighting somebody for him," she said. > She gazed around her modest home, where she uses dog leashes tosecure her kitchen cabinets, locks every door and has cleared theshelves of knickknacks to prevent Tyler from smashing valuables orsmearing food on himself. > "You can't leave him alone for 20 seconds or it's a disaster,"Hainan said. "But I'm crazy about him. I'd have him all over again." > About autism > Autism is a developmental disorder associated with a wide range ofbehavioral, communication and learning problems. It is classifiedunder the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders, which includeAspergers syndrome and pervasive-development disorder as well asclassic autism. > Part of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating autism lies inthe disparity in symptoms. > Some autistic children never speak while others can talk normally.Some throw tantrums over something as simple as a missing puzzle piecewhile others rarely react to their environment. Some have severemental retardation while others have few learning problems. > Other characteristics include obsessive-compulsive tendencies,problems with sensory overload and self-stimulating behaviors such ashand-flapping, rocking and jumping. > Prevalence of autism > Although no national data exist that clearly show how commonautism has become, research by the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention indicates that from 1 in 500 to 1 in 166 children arediagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. > The CDC estimates 24,000 children are diagnosed with autism everyyear -- or about one child every 20 minutes. > Autism is more common than all other developmental disabilitiesexcept for mental retardation, which affects about 1 in 100 children. > Prevalence rates for other childhood disorders and illnesses include: > . Cerebral palsy: 1 in 350 > . Diabetes: 1 in 400 to 500 > . Cancer: 1 in 6,600. > Liz can be reached at lhayes@... or (724) 226-4680. > > > __________________________________________________>

June 13, 2006

I agree.

We all know Santorum and his affinity of treating our families like dirt.

He's pulled this bill off the GOP trash pile, and insiders are alerting us

the preservative republicans plan to remove anything hinting of thimerosal

research at the last moment, and families will more than likely be forced to

drop lawsuits on charities to provide funding for our children.

I'm urging all parents to not support this bill and to contact their

Congressional representation to re-visit Autism some time after the election

cycle is over.

If your child is autistic as a result of mercury poisoning Santorum is not

your friend.

RE: [ ] !!Combating autism: Santorum's bill would

provide almost $1B!!

>

> Can we get them to stop causing it in the first place?!

> S S

>

> Combating autism: Santorum's bill would provide almost $1B

> Photo Gallery

> click to enlarge

> Coaxing Tyler

> Bridge/Contributing photographer

>

> Federal funding

> The Combating Autism Act would authorize almost $1 billion in spending on

> autism research, training and treatment over five years. Although the

> bill's language has not been finalized, the amounts listed in last year's

> proposal are not expected to change significantly. Here's what the bill

> would authorize the federal government to spend on autism:

> . $435 million: Expanding and coordinating research overseen by the

> National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and

> Prevention.

> . $375 million: Improving and speeding the screening and diagnosis

> process.

> . $50 million: Training programs for doctors, scientists and health-care

> professionals.

> . $20 million: Improving medical care and the dissemination of

> information on treatment for autistic patients.

>

>

> _______________________________________________

> Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com

> The most personalized portal on the Web!

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