[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA CELEBRATES NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______


                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Autism Society of 
America [ASA] in recognition of January as National Autism Awareness 
Month.
  This has been a year of progress and achievement for the ASA. Last 
spring, in response to a request from Congress, the National Institutes 
of Health [NIH] held an Autism State-of-the-Science Conference. The 
conference brought researchers, clinicians and parents together in an 
effort to evaluate existing science and identify new areas for 
research.
  The conference highlighted the fact that autism affects some 400,000 
Americans. While the exact cause of autism is still unknown, conference 
participants agreed that, at least for some individuals with autism, 
there appears to be a genetic link--one that could very probably be 
identified with the work being conducted by the NIH National Center for 
Human Genome Research.
  Undoubtedly the most important outcome of the conference was the 
conclusion that more research is desperately needed. Autism is a 
lifelong disability. Its social, emotional, and financial costs are 
staggering, ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 per year per person--
millions of dollars for each individual over the course of a normal 
lifespan. These numbers speak to the need for more research on the 
possible causes of autism as well as medical, social, and behavioral 
interventions.
  The ASA was the major force behind this conference. Backed by the 
strength and knowledge of its 18,000 parent members, the ASA has been 
the primary source of information and referral on autism and the 
largest collective voice representing the autism community. Founded 
over three decades ago, its members are now connected through a 
volunteer network of over 220 chapters in 48 States.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Autism Society of America for its 30 years of service and in sharing in 
their celebration of National Autism Awareness Month.

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