House Autism Caucus Introduces Autism Services Bill

Washington, DC - U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-14), Chris Smith (NJ-4), Eliot Engel (NY-17), and Chip Pickering (MS-3) introduced legislation today to improve and expand care and services for Americans with autism spectrum disorders.

"People across the country face some difficult challenges in caring for family members with autism spectrum disorders," Congressman Doyle said at a press conference today announcing the introduction of this bill.  "The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act would help many of them by improving and expanding the federally funded services that are available."

“With autism prevalence rates reaching epidemic numbers, we cannot sit back and allow another generation to be silenced by autism, nor can we allow families to face alone the challenges of caring for this lifelong affliction,” Representative Smith said.  “Passage of the legislation we introduced today—the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act—will show families that we are there for them from the first diagnosis through adulthood, marking a turning point in the way the federal government addresses autism.”

Congressman Eliot Engel said, "We must expand our research to help us better understand Autism. It is equally important that we invest in treatments, interventions and services for people living with Autism. This legislation will go a long way towards providing knowledge and assistance for children and adults with Autism-whose families are often burdened with navigating a complex array of agencies in order to get their children the support they so desperately need."

Congressman Chip Pickering said, “Autism is not only a disability, but it is also a gift. There are special angels among us with tremendous gifts and we want to make sure we maximize these special abilities that are unique, distinct, and wonderful opportunities.  We want to maximize our understanding of autism, maximize the gifts of our children who have autism, and make sure their gifts and contributions are shared with the rest of the Nation.  We can overcome the struggles of autism and meet this challenge, increase the understanding of the disease, and enhance treatments to make a difference in the lives of countless families and children.  I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation that promotes autism research, treatment, services and advocacy.”

Autism groups around the nation are welcoming this legislation.

“This bill specifically addresses the most critically important issue to the autism community today – obtaining appropriate services across the lifespan,” said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of ASA.  “Our families and individuals with autism are pleased that their voices have been heard, and encourage their colleagues in the U.S. House to support this legislation.”

“Currently, there are no means to prevent autism, no fully effective evidence-based treatments, except Applied Behavior Analysis, and no cure,” said Jon Shestack, Autism Speaks Executive Committee member and founder of Cure Autism Now.  “It is our fervent hope that the EPIAA will change that.  We know that people with autism continue to learn across their whole lifespan. It is never too late. We need to act now to ensure that all people with autism can reach their potential and become accomplished, contributing members of their communities.”

“When many parents get the news that their child has been diagnosed with autism, they're told 'Goodbye and good luck.'  This is a cruel and heartless message to hear, and it is delivered to thousands and thousands of families each year who need, more than anything, support and information during a critical time,” said actor and autism advocate Bradley Whitford, who also appeared at the press conference.  “Many of these families are going broke trying to provide their children with the services that they need, and many individuals with autism will need lifelong care. This legislation promises to change that message from ‘Goodbye and good luck’ to ‘Hello, we're here to help you.’”

One out of every 150 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder.  The range and severity of symptoms of autism vary from case to case, but symptoms often include difficulties in communicating and interacting with other individuals and exhibiting repetitive behaviors and intense interests in specific subjects.  The care involved in treating these symptoms often requires hours of intensive therapy every week - regimens that are often inaccessible or unaffordable for many families.  With early intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism and their families to participate fully in their communities.

The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) would provide $350 million worth of additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism.  This bipartisan legislation would:

• Create a task force to evaluate currently available therapies and services and recommend ways to expand access to effective treatments and services across the nation.
• Establish a demonstration grant program to assist states with service provision
• Develop a grant program to help states provide Services to adults with autism
• Increase access to services following diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder
• Increase support for institutions that train professionals who treat or serve individuals with autism
• Examine issues of financing for autism services
• Improve protection and advocacy services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders
• Improve technical assistance and evaluation for autism treatments, interventions and services

Identical legislation (S. 937) was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Wayne Allard (R-CO).

"With strong support for this legislation in both bodies of Congress, I am confident that we will be successful in enacting it into law in this Congress,"Congressman Doyle stated.  "Families dealing with autism should get this help as soon as possible."

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