Millions more to NPOs

[Guest guest]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/reps-smith-and-doyle-

autism,334942.shtml

BETHESDA, Md., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United

Nations has designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. To mark

this historic occasion, the Autism Society of America, the World

Autism Organization and the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional

Coalition for Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.), Rep. Chris

and Rep. Mike Doyle, will hold a press conference on the Cannon

Terrace to build support for critical legislation that would provide

needed autism services in the U.S. and around the world.

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum

disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 60

families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges

of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and

health care issues that make autism a national public health issue.

Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with

autism have tremendous potential.

" We have an epidemic on our hands and we need to immediately and

aggressively address it on every front, " said.

Members of the House of Representatives are working so that the U.S.

will become the first nation to initiate an effort to establish a

global autism assistance program. In February 2008, a bi-partisan

group of legislators joined Congressmen and Doyle in

introducing the Global Autism Assistance Act, (HR 5446). This

landmark legislation will establish a global health and education

grant program related to autism spectrum disorders and provide

support to families, educational institutions, clinics and medical

centers in developing nations.

" We will know we have succeeded when people on the autism spectrum

become an accepted part of the human condition, " said ASA President

and CEO Lee Grossman. " While this goal may take a generation to

achieve, the global community should aim for nothing less, and it is

imperative that we begin to work toward that goal today. "

The Global Autism Assistance Act authorizes $10 million over three

years through a grant program for service providers and advocacy

groups for children with autism specifically in countries with weak

healthcare infrastructure to raise autism awareness, and creates new

ways to share American expertise and advancements in the diagnoses

and treatment of autism.

" My colleagues and I in the Congressional Autism Caucus are deeply

committed to ensuring that the federal government does everything it

can to address the challenges presented by autism around the world.

Millions of families need and deserve our help, " Doyle said.

The Members also plan to promote the Expanding the Promise of

Individuals with Autism Act (HR 1881), announced last year by Reps.

Doyle and along with actor Bradley Whitford of West Wing fame.

The bill would provide additional resources for those affected by

autism in the U.S., increasing access to effective therapies and

essential support services for people with autism, as well as

providing critical funding for training, protection, and advocacy.

WHO:

Representative (R-NJ)

Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA)

Lee Grossman, Autism Society of America, President and CEO

Jeff Sell, World Autism Organization, Vice President/Autism Society

of America, Director of Chapters and Membership