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ASA Applauds President Bush’s Signing of Combating Autism Act
Landmark bill provides nearly $1 billion for autism research and education
Bethesda, MD (12/19/2006) -- The Autism Society of America (ASA) sends its heartfelt thanks to President George W. Bush for signing S. 843, the Combating Autism Act, today. This critical legislation authorizes almost $1 billion through 2011 in federal funding for autism-related research, early detection and intervention.
Pres signing bill After signing the Act, the President issued the following statement: “For the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by autism, today is a day of hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will increase public awareness about this disorder and provide enhanced federal support for autism research and treatment. By creating a national education program for doctors and the public about autism, this legislation will help more people recognize the symptoms of autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention, which is critical for children with autism. I am proud to sign this bill into law and confident that it will serve as an important foundation for our Nation's efforts to find a cure for autism.
ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman expressed his gratitude to the President and all the members of Congress taking leadership on this effort. “This is only the beginning of ASA’s commitment to ensure federal for autism is spent wisely and, in the most effective way,” commented Grossman. “Now, we hope that Congress will get to work on a comprehensive services bill for individuals with autism, including reforming Medicaid-funding waivers, employment incentives, housing improvements, job training and so much more.”
ASA will work actively on the Hill in the 110th Congress to ensure further legislation for autism services, education, and environmental health.
S. 843, authored by Senators Santorum and Dodd, first passed unanimously in the Senate on August 3, 2006. The U.S. House passed an amended version on December 6, 2006. Key provisions of the bill include:
* Developing and implementing a strategic plan for research related to autism spectrum disorders;
* Reauthorizing Autism Centers of Excellence and providing funds to the centers for coordination of services and information for patients;
* Supporting basic and clinical research into the fields of developmental neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, pharmacology, nutrition, immunology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, psychopharmacology, and toxicology;
* Improving coordination of the various federal, State, and local supports and services available to persons with autism and families affected by autism;
* Increasing the number of providers that can screen, diagnosis and provide interventions to persons with autism; and,
* Promoting research to determine evidence-based best practices for diagnosis, early detection, prevention, intervention and possible/potential cure for autism spectrum disorders.
About Autism
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the areas of social interaction and communication. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. As many as 1.5 million Americans - children and adults - are thought to have autism today.
About ASA
ASA is the oldest and largest grassroots organization within the autism community. Today, more than 100,000 members and supporters are connected through a working network of nearly 200 chapters nationwide. ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.
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Holy cow!!! The president did something right!! (sorry, political commentary, do not want to start a political debate!)
That is great news!! I am so glad!
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I agree, I wanted to title it that Bush does the right thing but staying neutral is so hard!
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Here I was thinking the man will have wasted 8 yrs in office and not done any good for man kind. Well I guess I was wrong finally there is hope.
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As the Mom of an autistic son, I say YEAH!!!!!!!!
Now for my political commentary....if we could just get the **** out of Iraq!!!
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I wanted to add that as a parent of an autistic son also, what effect does this bill have on the end people, Hunter and me. I am grateful for the research, studies, anything that gets closer to an answer and a solution, but I really need services that will help Hunter function better in society.
JMO, April