[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 7 (Thursday, January 12, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
National Autism Awareness Week, January 9-15. Many of you may recognize 
autism from Dustin Hoffman's character in ``Rainman.'' What some of you 
may not know is that autism is a neurological disorder that affects 
some 380,000 individuals in the United States today. Individuals with 
autism often have trouble with communication and social interaction; 
their brains don't process information in the same manner as yours or 
mine. Yet, some forms of autism are mild and individuals can be 
extremely talented in areas like math or music. Because of this vast 
range of impairment, autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder. It 
is a bewildering disability--a mystery science is still trying to 
unravel.
  As we recognize National Autism Awareness Week, it is fitting that we 
also recognize the Autism Society of America, currently celebrating its 
30th anniversary. The society offers those affected by autism and their 
parents and families, support and advocacy. The society has also been a 
persistent force on Capitol Hill, and I have been pleased to work with 
the society in our joint effort of advocating for increased funding for 
biomedical research. Last year, I was proud to play a role in directing 
the national Institutes of Health to hold the first ever national 
workshop in autism which is scheduled for this spring. This year I am 
looking forward to the findings and conclusions of the workshop.
  Understanding is the beginning of acceptance and support. Awareness 
of the autism spectrum disorder is critical to further research 
efforts, eradicating discrimination and stigmatization, and improving 
the quality of the life of individuals with autism, as well as that of 
their friends and families. That is why it is important to recognize 
this week, and every week, as National Autism Awareness Week. The work 
we have before us cannot be completed in 1 week out of every year. It 
will require all of us, and every week.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
week as National Autism Awareness Week.


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