[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 11, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H5014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT 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 that it afflicts. Autism, 
Mr. Speaker, 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.
  I spoke on this floor recently about how people with autism are 
affected by this disease, and the early warning signs of autism that 
parents should watch for as their infants become toddlers. Today, I 
want to share with our colleagues the impact that autism has on the 
families of those that it affects and the struggles parents must endure 
to raise children with autism.
  During a recent district work period, I met several of my 
constituents, including Howard and Jonica Chittum, and their wonderful 
son, Mac, who is autistic. They shared with me the emotional and 
financial challenges of having a child with autism.
  The Chittums told me how Mac needs intensive speech and occupational 
therapy, services for which Medicaid partially pays, but that their 
health insurance does not. They talked of their excitement when Mac 
makes progress and of their disappointment when he struggles. The 
Chittums are fortunate in that they somehow have found time to work and 
care for Mac.
  They also have managed to pay for more intensive therapy for Mac, 
which has helped him make significant progress in a relatively short 
time. I was pleased to learn that Mac's language skills are now on age 
level. His eye contact has improved, and he is showing more interest in 
other people.
  Some people, however, Mr. Speaker, are not as fortunate as the 
Chittums. I also met with Monica Bice, whose daughter, Jade, has 
autism, over the district work period. Monica, who met Jonica through a 
support group for parents of children with autism, wants desperately to 
provide Jade with the intensive therapy she needs, but simply cannot 
afford. And Jonica said, ``It's just not fair.''
  I think this is an unconscionable situation that we must remedy, Mr. 
Speaker.
  I am pleased to have cosponsored legislation our colleague from 
California, Mrs. Bono, has introduced to encourage screening, early 
intervention and education about autism. This bill, the Combating 
Autism Act, would strengthen and coordinate all Federal activities 
related to autism research, diagnosis, screening and treatment.
  I think it also is important for parents to know that they are not 
alone when trying to raise a child with autism. There are a multitude 
of national, State and local organizations such as Aware for Autism, a 
support group for parents of children with autism, which Monica 
started. I encourage anyone who has a child with autism to seek 
assistance from those who are facing the same challenges that they are.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe we can and should do more to raise awareness 
about autism and encourage its prevention, treatment, and hopefully 
some day soon, its cure. I urge our colleagues to support the Combating 
Autism Act and give hope to people with autism and their families and 
friends.

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