Combating Autism

ASA Update on Combating Autism Act
Posted by: "margueritecolston" mcolston@autism-society.org
margueritecolston
Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:50 PM (PST)

As you know, the Autism Society of America (ASA) has been working closely with congressional leaders to pass the Combating Autism Act this year. The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate in August Of 2006, but House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) would like to make additional changes to the bill before Sending it to the President's desk.

Chairman Barton's version of the bill makes several significant changes to the legislation. It changes provisions related to the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) "Centers of Excellence" Program, specifically, requirements that the NIH create separate Centers of Excellence in Environmental Health and Autism. Chairman
Barton's compromise does allow for the study of environmental Factors and autism (including studies into the causes of autism), But does not mandate that these particular types of Centers be Funded.

ASA supports efforts to bolster research into environmental factors And autism, and supported the initial proposal to create Centers of Excellence. The legislative process, however, is one that requires Negotiation and compromise. Chairman Barton's current draft allows For research into this critical area, and he has also suggested that He would be providing additional, supporting documentation to the NIH to ensure that research in this area is expanded.

ASA is working with Chairman Barton and the autism community to Ensure that his statement (which provides guidance to NIH on the Congress's intent for this legislation) clearly reflects his desire To provide for additional research into environmental factors and Autism. We will continue to work with his office, and other Congressional leaders, to see that NIH is held accountable for the Research it does, and that research efforts reflect the needs of Individuals with autism and their families.

While some autism groups are suggesting that the community abandon This bill with the hopes that we can pass a stronger bill in the 110th Congress, ASA believes that we cannot wait another second for The Combating Autism Act. The compromise that Chairman Barton has Offered would provide almost $1 billion for autism related research At NIH. It would provide for research into a range of important areas, from neurobiology to genetics to toxicology.

While the Combating Autism Act is not perfect, it is a step in the Right direction == one that will get us closer to finding better Treatments, diagnostics, and interventions for autism. As an Organization representing individuals with autism, their friends, Families, and supporters, ASA supports this legislation and will do all we can to ensure its passage.