[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 317 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







 108th CONGRESS
   2d Session
 S. RES. 317

 Recognizing the importance of increasing awareness of autism spectrum 
  disorders, supporting programs for increased research and improved 
treatment of autism, and improving training and support for individuals 
      with autism and those who care for individuals with autism.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 10, 2004

Mr. Hagel submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
          Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing the importance of increasing awareness of autism spectrum 
  disorders, supporting programs for increased research and improved 
treatment of autism, and improving training and support for individuals 
      with autism and those who care for individuals with autism.

Whereas the Autism Society of America, Cure Autism Now, the National Alliance 
        for Autism Research, Unlocking Autism, and numerous other organizations 
        commemorate April as National Autism Awareness Month;
Whereas autism is a developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed during 
        the first 3 years of life, robbing individuals of their ability to 
        communicate and interact with others;
Whereas autism affects an estimated 1 in every 250 children in America;
Whereas autism is 4 times more likely 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 people 
        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 individual per year;
Whereas the cost nationally of caring for persons affected by 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 Senate--
            (1) supports the establishment of April as 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 the goal of increasing Federal funding for 
        aggressive research to learn the root 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 
        people with autism;
            (4) commends the Department of Health and Human Services 
        for the swift implementation of the Children's Health Act of 
        2000, particularly for establishing 4 ``Centers of Excellence'' 
        at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the 
        epidemiology of autism and related disorders and the proposed 
        ``Centers of Excellence'' at the National Institutes of Health 
        for autism research;
            (5) stresses the need to begin early intervention services 
        soon after a child has been diagnosed with autism, noting that 
        early intervention strategies are the primary therapeutic 
        options for young people with autism, and early intervention 
        significantly improves outcomes for people with autism and can 
        reduce the level of funding and services needed later in life;
            (6) supports the Federal Government's nearly 30-year-old 
        commitment to provide States with 40 percent of the costs 
        needed to educate children with disabilities under part B of 
        the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
            (7) recognizes the shortage of appropriately trained 
        teachers who have the skills and support necessary to teach, 
        assist, and respond to special needs students, including those 
        with autism, in our school systems; and
            (8) recognizes the importance of worker training programs 
        that are tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled 
        persons, including those 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.
                                 <all>