[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            AUTISM AWARENESS

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                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2013

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness for the 
2 million individuals in the U.S. that have autism. Autism is a brain 
disorder that affects the mental development of children all across the 
United States.
   Autism is a disease that is being thrust into the national 
spotlight. One in every 88 children in the United States is now 
affected by it. That number is a ten-fold increase in prevalence over a 
period of just 40 years. Indeed, autism is the fastest growing 
developmental disability in the United States.
   Some solace is found in the fact that many organizations are making 
great strides in promoting awareness of autism. One that is active in 
my district is the Autism Cares Foundation, located out of Richboro, 
PA. It is organizations such as this that are on the front lines of 
combating the challenge that autism is presenting to this country. I am 
proud of the people at Autism Cares and those in organizations like it 
that are committed to building awareness and outreach as they continue 
to serve families living with autism.

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