[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1768]
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. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5756, 
the ``Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide (TRAIN) 
Act of 2010,'' which will provide grants and technical assistance to 
create innovative approaches to providing services to children and 
adults with autism, and their families. This legislation will help 
secure the resources necessary to provide the best possible care for 
the people and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  I thank Congressman Doyle, the sponsor of this legislation, for his 
leadership on this issue and his commitment to raising awareness about 
the growing number of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  Mr. Speaker, there is a lack of trained professionals capable of 
providing desperately needed services and support to children and 
adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. H.R. 5756 will expand the number 
of training facilities for service providers by awarding grants to 
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
Education, Research, and Service. Training individuals to provide 
services to people with autism is critical to addressing the growing 
demand for care.
  In addition, these grants will help fund autism research. Research 
into the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders across multiple 
disciplines is a critical part of improving our understanding and 
treatment of these disorders. For example, research continues to 
indicate that environmental factors, such as air pollutants, the 
presence of hazardous chemicals in the home, and poor nutrition, can 
contribute to the risk of developing autism. I find these studies 
particularly significant, as my district contains several poor, low-
income areas, where these kinds of environmental factors are 
disproportionately concentrated.
  Finally, H.R. 5756 will also establish a nationwide structure to 
disseminate important research and the latest evidence-based findings 
related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. This will help doctors and 
families affected by autism stay up to date on the latest research on 
diagnosis and treatment of autism.
  Mr. Speaker, the growing number of people in this country that are 
diagnosed with autism demands action on this issue. We must take action 
so that families no longer have to struggle to find care for loved ones 
with autism. This bill will take important steps to achieve health care 
equity for individuals with autism by finally making available the care 
that they deserve.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5756.

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