[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ADVANCEMENT IN PEDIATRIC AUTISM RESEARCH ACT

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today in support of S. 2263, the 
Advancement in Pediatric Autism Research Act, introduced by Senator 
Slade Gorton. Infantile autism and autism spectrum disorders are 
biologically-based, neuro-developmental diseases that cause severe 
impairments in language and communication. This disease is generally 
manifested in young children, sometimes during the first years of life.
  Estimates show that 1 in 500 children born today will be diagnosed 
with an autism spectrum disorder and that 400,000 Americans have autism 
or an autism spectrum disorder. The cost of caring for individuals with 
this disease is estimated at $13.3 billion per year. Rapid advancements 
and effective treatments are attainable through biomedical research.
  S. 2263 improves research on pediatric autism in the following areas: 
networks five Centers of Excellence combining basic research and 
clinical services; appropriates funds for an awareness campaign aimed 
largely at physicians and professionals and designed to aid in earlier 
and more accurate diagnosis; appropriates monies for gene and tissue 
banking, and funds current proposals at NIH in autism. Michigan 
families who have been affected by autism or an autism spectrum 
disorder have contacted my office in support of this legislation. They 
have impressed upon me the need for better research into this disorder.
  With three young children of my own, I too am concerned for millions 
of children afflicted with childhood diseases and birth defects. I have 
long been committed to supporting policies that encourage research into 
this and other afflictions, particularly those conditions that directly 
impact children. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
support of this important piece of legislation.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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