[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF INCREASING AWARENESS OF AUTISM

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                               speech of

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
605 to recognize the importance of generating awareness about autism, 
increasing research efforts into this terrible disorder, and improving 
support for those who suffer from autism and those who help care for 
the autistic. My 13 year old nephew Jack has autism, so I am part of an 
extended family working to raise a child with this disability. My 
family's ongoing experience has impressed upon me how critical it is 
for us, as a society, to give those with autism and their families the 
support they need to fight this devastating disease, and to commit the 
resources necessary to determine the cause of autism and to develop a 
cure for the millions of afflicted individuals.
  Autism is not rare. Autism effects approximately 1 in every 166 
children in the United States, making it one of the most common 
childhood medical disorders. In many cases, those with autism will 
never marry, they will never live independently, and more than half of 
them will never learn to speak. Families affected by autism are forced 
to bear an extraordinary burden. Parents, siblings and friends have to 
learn to try to communicate with and care for a child who may be 
incapable of either verbal or nonverbal communication or who may 
exhibit erratic behavior. The fact that autism is so common is proof 
that autism research is deserving of our nation's wholehearted support.
  Funding for autism research at the National Institutes of Health has 
been increased from approximately $93 million in Fiscal Year 2003 to 
$96 million in Fiscal Year 2004, but we know that is not enough. 
Scientists continue to disagree on the cause or causes for the dramatic 
increase in the number of autism cases diagnosed in the United States. 
Only with increased research will we be able to understand autism, find 
better treatments and effective prevention methods, and hopefully, 
someday soon, develop a cure for this terrible disease.
  I am pleased to be here today as a cosponsor of H. Res. 605. I 
applaud Representative Tierney for authoring this Resolution and 
working to bring attention and resources to an all too common, but 
devastating disorder. At its peak, there were 20,000 cases of polio 
each year. Today, less than 10 Americans contract polio annually. By 
working together and by never giving up, I know we can make autism just 
as rare. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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