[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 4 (Monday, January 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA AND NATIONAL 
                         AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______


                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 9, 1995

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
Autism Society of America on its 30th anniversary. The timing of this 
tribute is no accident. This week, January 9-15, is National Autism 
Awareness Week, and no organization has done more to promote awareness 
of autism than the Autism Society of America.
  The mission statement of the society reflects its commitment to the 
autism population:

       The Autism Society of America exists to promote lifelong 
     access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism 
     spectrum and their families, through education, advocacy, the 
     promotion of research and increased public awareness, to be 
     fully participating, including members of their community.

  In 1994, the national office of the society responded to over 12,000 
requests from parents, relatives, teachers, doctors, service providers, 
and professionals wanting information on topics like education, 
research, programs, laws, and family-coping strategies--all provided 
free of charge. Each week, the national office handles over 200 
telephone calls on its toll-free line from parents and professionals 
wanting information, advice, and advocacy.
  With over 200 chapters nationwide, run by parent volunteers, 
caregivers, parents, and family members are offered much-needed 
information, referrals, and support.
  In addition to these efforts, the Autism Society of America also runs 
mail order bookstores housing the largest collection of classic and 
contemporary works on autism; annually publishes six issues of the 
Advocate, a comprehensive national newsletter on the latest 
developments in the area of autism; and sponsors an annual conference 
at which experts and parents from all across the country join for 4 
full days of seminars, presentations, workshops, and research findings.
  Finally, the Autism Society of America has been a persistent voice on 
Capitol Hill, advocating for increased Federal commitment to biomedical 
research. Last year, the society successfully worked with the National 
Institutes of Health to arrange for the first-ever workshop on autism, 
which is scheduled for this spring.
  Mr. Speaker, as we observe National Autism Awareness Week, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the Autism Society of America 
for its 30 years of service.

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