[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E896-E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF INCREASING AWARENESS OF AUTISM (H. RES. 
                                  605)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to rise in strong support 
and as a cosponsor of H. Res. 605, recognizing the importance of 
increasing awareness of autism. Autism spectrum disorders and related 
developmental disabilities affect one in every 166 children--a dramatic 
increase from a decade ago when the prevalence was thought to be one in 
every 10,000. Prevalence is thought to be increasing by 10-17 percent 
annually, yet there remains little public awareness and understanding 
regarding these conditions.
  Autism is a brain disorder, affecting a child's ability to 
communicate and interact socially. Parents of children with autism 
require a great deal of patience and support to properly care for these 
children. Congress must raise awareness of these conditions so that 
these parents receive the support of their communities and the expert 
assistance of trained medical professionals and teachers, regardless of 
income level.
  It is not enough, however, to simply recognize the needs of people 
living with autism. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to 
follow through on commitments we have already made to the parents and 
teachers of these children. The Individuals With Disabilities Education 
Act requires the Federal Government to allocate funding for 40 percent 
of the cost of educating children with disabilities. Since this law was 
passed in 1991, Congress has never appropriated sufficient resources to 
meet this requirement. States are left to cover the costs of funding-
intensive programs, such as special education programs for children 
with autism. As a result of insufficient funding, special education 
programs are chronically plagued by insufficient staffing, resources 
and training.
  Congress must also provide resources to diagnose and treat children 
with autism before they reach school age, through training programs for 
medical professionals and initiatives designed to reach and treat 
autistic children during the crucial early stages of development. 
Medical professionals need to be educated so that they are aware of and 
recognize autism and its related disorders. Too often parents

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are told not to worry if their child is slower than same age peers, 
especially if that child is a boy. Precious time is lost waiting for 
children to ``grow out'' of their symptoms when that time could be 
spent receiving early intervention services.
  It is important to recognize scientifically valid methods that are 
effective in working with people with autism. At this time, there is no 
cure for autism. There are, however, many effective methodologies that 
can improve the lives of children with autism, and Congress has a 
responsibility to recognize and fund practitioners and trainers of 
these methodologies, while also educating parents on the limitations of 
current treatment so that they do not fall victim to unscrupulous 
individuals promising easy cures.
  Teachers, therapists and doctors who treat children with autism are 
true American heroes and deserve the best training, support and 
recognition we can provide. I would also like to take this opportunity 
to recognize some of the leading organizations in the fight for proper 
treatment, care and research, such as the Autism Society of America, 
Cure Autism Now, the National Alliance for Autism Research and 
Unlocking Autism.
  I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for introducing this 
important resolution, and I urge my colleagues to vote for it. I also 
urge my colleagues to promote sufficient funding this year to address 
the critical needs this condition presents to people living with autism 
nationwide.

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