[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRAINING AND RESEARCH FOR AUTISM IMPROVEMENTS NATIONWIDE ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I offer my strong support for the 
Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act--a bill 
that promotes much-needed training and research advancements related to 
Autism. This bill expands federal support for understanding and 
treating the Autism Spectrum Disorders which affect as many as 1 in 110 
children born in the United States.
  Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that is typically 
diagnosed around the age of 3 years old and lasts throughout a person's 
lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 
Autism as one of the nation's leading public health crises. An Autism-
related diagnosis is more common than the diagnosis of pediatric 
cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Autism-related disorders occur in 
all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups at similar rates; however, 
they are four times more common in boys than they are in girls. 
Recently, scientists have made advances in understanding Autistic 
symptomatology; yet there remains limited understanding about its 
causes and course. These disorders have a tremendous affect on the 
lives of the children and families who experience them, including 
challenges with education, communication, and employment possible.
  The Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act will 
improve federal support for research and treatment related to Autism 
disorders. The bill establishes Centers of Excellence to train and 
provide services to children and families affected by Autism. I am well 
aware of the benefits of such comprehensive, targeted Centers of 
Excellence. I am proud that Chicago is home to the Therapeutic School 
and Center for Autism Research run by the Easter Seals Metropolitan 
Chicago. This Center is a national leader in providing care and 
advancing research related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Within one 
site, state-of-the-art education, research, training, early 
intervention, school-to-work transition training, and independent 
living training occur. It is a true resource to the children and 
families in Illinois and the nation. This Center reflects a strong 
public-private partnership in which the State of Illinois, the city of 
Chicago, the University of Illinois, and multiple for-profit and non-
profit businesses came together to make this Center a reality. The 
success of this Center demonstrates the need and potential benefits of 
creating additional national Centers of Excellence, as authorized by 
this bill.
  In Chicago and across the country, it is clear that Autism 
significantly affects the lives of children and families. Additional 
federal efforts are needed to advance our understanding and response to 
Autism Spectrum Disorders. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the 
Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act.

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