[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Coalition for Autism 
Research and Education, I rise today to recognize April as National 
Autism Awareness Month. Autism is the fastest growing developmental 
disability in America, with 1 to 1.5 million Americans living with it 
each day. Every April since the 1970s we celebrate National Autism 
Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to educate the public on 
autism and the issues affecting those people afflicted with the 
disorder.
  This disorder is universal, affecting children from all ethnic, 
racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. The latest statistics from the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 1 in 88 children 
born in the United States will develop autism.
  Mr. Speaker, this increase is a clear call that more needs to be done 
in terms of research and education. Congress must call for more 
resources to be given to early screening and diagnosis programs. This 
can lead to improved educational and social outcomes and increases the 
chances of employment and independent living for those suffering from 
autism.
  My own State of California has seen a huge increase in autism 
diagnoses. In 1990, 6 out of every 10,000 children born in the State 
were diagnosed with the disease by the age of five. Only 11 years later 
that number had risen to 42.5 in every 10,000 children. Since then the 
numbers have only risen.
  Children diagnosed with this disorder will struggle with significant 
social, behavioral and communication challenges. For example, an 
activity as simple as going to the movies is impossible for many 
families with autistic children. However, autism is treatable. There is 
no permanent cure for the disorder, but studies show that early 
detection and intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes.
  Mr. Speaker, the occurrence of autism is on the rise in our nation. 
This is why it is more important than ever that we continue to fund 
programs like the National Database for Autism Research, whose overall 
goal is accelerating scientific discovery in autism spectrum disorder 
though data and research sharing among ASD investigators.
  That is why it was so important that Congress passed H.R. 2005, the 
Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011. I am proud to have been 
an original co-sponsor of this legislation, which authorizes more than 
$200 million in continued funding for the Centers for Disease Control's 
surveillance and epidemiological research programs for autism and other 
developmental disabilities and for the National Institutes of Health's 
respect to research program on autism spectrum disorders and possible 
environmental causes of autism. The bill also authorizes a robust 
autism education, early detection, and intervention program at the 
Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA.
  Mr. Speaker, nowhere is autism's impact felt more than in underserved 
communities, where diagnosis is delayed on average two years. Given 
that early identification and intervention are paramount to the 
developing brain of children with autism, this two-year delay is 
especially devastating, as it denies thousands of vulnerable children 
the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention. This can mean the 
difference between a child who may someday live independently, and a 
child destined for a life of institutionalized care.
  The alarming delay in diagnosis becomes even more detrimental when 
compounded by issues of poverty, such as a lack of housing, employment, 
and transportation. This is the reality faced by families in 
underserved communities who are affected by autism and other 
developmental disabilities.
  That is why I also want to recognize, commend, and encourage 
organizations like the Special Needs Network, Inc., which serve the 
greater Los Angeles community for the great work and service they 
provide to families and individuals affected by the autism in 
underserved communities.
  This month, let us recommit ourselves to raising awareness about 
autism. We have a responsibility to continue to broaden our efforts to 
research this disorder, and increase awareness about the importance of 
early detection.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of 
National Autism Awareness Month, and ask all Americans to take time 
this month to find out what you can do to help the growing population 
of those afflicted with, or affected by, autism.

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