[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 84 (Monday, June 26, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H4534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RAISING AWARENESS OF AUTISM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a 
disease that has a profound impact on those it afflicts. Autism is a 
bioneurological developmental disability that generally appears before 
the age of 3.
  Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of 
social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. 
Individuals with autism typically have difficulties communicating and 
interacting with others and often engage in repetitive behaviors. 
Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous physical ailments, 
which may include allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, 
persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration 
dysfunction, sleeping disorders and more.
  Some may be surprised, Mr. Speaker, to learn that autism is diagnosed 
four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not 
affected by race, region or socioeconomic status. According to the 
National Autism Association, autism and related developmental disorders 
affect one in 166 people across the country, 10 times as many as just a 
decade ago.
  No one knows for certain what causes autism. Some believe that 
anything from genetics to certain vaccines can lead to autism. Those 
with infants and toddlers should watch for the early signs of autism, 
which include no big smiles by 6 months, no sharing of sounds, smiles 
or facial expressions by 9 months, and no babbling by 12 months, no 
words by 18 months, and any loss of speech or social skills at any age.
  I wish to repeat that, Mr. Speaker: those with infants and toddlers 
should watch for the early warning signs of autism, which include no 
big smiles by 6 months, no sharing of sounds, smiles or facial 
expressions by 9 months, no babbling by 12 months, no words by 18 
months, and any loss of speech or social skills at any age.
  Autism, however, does not affect life expectancy. Currently there is 
no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the 
diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved. This makes 
it imperative that appropriate resources are available to help people 
with autism and their families.
  Mr. Speaker, I intend to take to this floor over the coming weeks and 
months to highlight the impact autism has on those it afflicts and 
those who care for them. I hope by doing so that I can help raise 
awareness about this disease and encourage greater understanding about 
the importance of research into its prevention, detection and 
treatment.

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