[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 605 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                           May 5, 2004.
Whereas the Autism Society of America, Cure Autism Now, the National Alliance 
        for Autism Research, Unlocking Autism, and numerous other organizations 
        commemorate April of each year as ``National Autism Awareness Month'';
Whereas autism is a developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed during 
        the first three years of life, robbing individuals of their ability to 
        communicate and interact with others;
Whereas autism affects an estimated 1 of every 166 children in the United 
        States;
Whereas autism is four times more likely to be found in boys than in girls and 
        can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or other factors;
Whereas the cost of specialized treatment in a developmental center for 
        individuals with autism is approximately $80,000 per individual per 
        year;
Whereas the cost of special education programs for school-aged children with 
        autism is often more than $30,000 per child per year;
Whereas the total cost nationally of caring for individuals with autism is 
        estimated at more than $90,000,000,000 per year; and
Whereas despite the fact that autism is one of the most common developmental 
        disorders, many professionals in the medical and educational fields are 
        still unaware of the best methods to diagnose and treat the disorder: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Autism Awareness 
        Month'';
            (2) recognizes and commends the parents and relatives of children 
        with autism for their sacrifice and dedication in providing for the 
        special needs of children with autism and for absorbing significant 
        financial costs for specialized education and support services;
            (3) supports aggressive research to determine the causes of autism, 
        identify the best methods of early intervention and treatment, expand 
        programs for individuals with autism across their lifespan, and promote 
        understanding of the special needs of individuals with autism;
            (4) commends the Department of Health and Human Services for 
        implementing programs to study the epidemiology of autism and related 
        disorders and advancing autism research at the Centers for Disease 
        Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health;
            (5) stresses the need to begin early intervention services soon 
        after an individual has been diagnosed with autism, noting that early 
        intervention strategies are the primary therapeutic options for 
        individuals with autism and early intervention significantly improves 
        outcomes for individuals with autism and can reduce the level of funding 
        and services needed later in life;
            (6) supports the Federal Government's commitment to provide States 
        with part of the costs needed to educate children with disabilities 
        under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
        U.S.C. 1411 et seq.);
            (7) encourages more Americans to pursue the teaching profession and 
        to be trained with the skills necessary to teach, assist, and respond to 
        special needs students, including those students with autism; and
            (8) recognizes the importance of worker training programs that meet 
        the needs of developmentally disabled individuals, including those 
        individuals with autism, and notes that people with autism can be, and 
        are, productive members of the workforce if they are given appropriate 
        support, training, and early intervention services.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.