[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I have long been active in issues 
of importance for individuals suffering from a mental illness or 
disability. Through my efforts in this area, I have become familiar 
with the vast spectrum of these disorders, and I have found that we as 
a society have much to learn about both the causes and cures for these 
illnesses. Knowledge of the medical conditions underpinning these 
disorders has only recently begun to make progress by leaps and bounds, 
and I fear that public awareness and knowledge has not grown in step. 
Because society is still unfamiliar with these advances, an aura of 
fear and suspicion persists with regard to any one of the illnesses or 
disorders which afflict so many Americans. It is because of this 
widespread lack of knowledge and understanding that I add my support in 
recognition of the National Autism Society's designation of January as 
``National Autism Awareness Month.''
  Autism is a neurological disorder that interrupts the brain's ability 
to process and understand information. Nearly 400,000 Americans suffer 
from this disorder, making it more prevalent than Down's syndrome or 
muscular dystrophy.
  Autism is a complex, spectrum disorder that manifests itself in many 
ways. Symptoms and characteristics present themselves in a variety of 
combinations, and no two children or adults are affected in the same 
way.
  Autism is not curable, but it is treatable. Many types of treatments 
have proven effective in combating this disorder, and improvements are 
being discovered every day.
  A generation ago, nearly 90 percent of those suffering from autism 
were placed in an institution. Today, group homes, assisted living 
arrangements, and home care are much more common. Thanks to the 
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, many children with autism 
receive appropriate education and go on to become contributing members 
of the work force.
  In April 1995, in response to direction from Congress, the National 
Institutes of Health [NIH] held a State-of-the-Sciences Conference on 
Autism. Conference participants included scientists, clinicians, and 
parents. The conference highlighted how far we have come in diagnosing 
and treating autism, but also illuminated how far we have yet to go. 
National Autism Month is designed to bring attention to these issues, 
and seeks to further the Nation's understanding of this complicated and 
debilitating disorder. I fully support the National Autism Society's 
designation of January as ``National Autism Awareness Month,'' I share 
their goal of teaching America more about this disorder, and I welcome 
my colleagues' support as well.

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