[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
1106 which expresses support for designating April 2008 as National 
Autism Awareness Month.
  Autism is a very real issue for many of my constituents whose 
families have been affected by this condition. I hear about the 
challenges that these families face at each Congress on Your Corner I 
host and receive many constituent letters on this issue.
  My district is fortunate to house the Melmark New England 
headquarters. This organization is dedicated to serving children and 
adolescents with the autism spectrum disorders.
  Founded in 1998, Melmark, New England recently celebrated its 10th 
Anniversary. At a recent visit in celebration of this occasion, I had 
the opportunity to see first hand the importance of early intervention 
and proper treatment for those individuals living with autism.
  I commend Melmark New England and organizations like it across the 
country that provide quality treatment to those living with Autism.
  My hope is that passage of this resolution will help to expand these 
programs by highlighting the need for early intervention services and 
appropriately trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special 
needs students.

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