Scientists,Physicians,Capitol Hill Leaders and Parents
Anticipated to Plea for White House Involvement into Autism
EpidemicPRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Contact:
Laura Bono, The Autism Autoimmunity Project,
(919) 403-9443
(919) 423-3749 (cell)
Lyn Redwood, Safe Minds
(404) 932-1786
IMPORTANT CLUES INTO AUTISM EPIDEMIC RELEASED TOMORROW ON
CAPITOL HILL
Scientists, Physicians, Capitol Hill Leaders and Parents
Anticipated to Plea for White House Involvement
Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 22, 2003 — Capitol Hill will be
the gathering spot tomorrow for scientists, physicians and
parents of autistic children. Important clues into the surge
in autism numbers are expected to be released during a press
conference scheduled in the Rayburn Office Building, Room
2203, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Bush Administration is also expected to be questioned
about their declination of a White House Conference, which,
according to many involved with the autism issue, would
galvanize a national effort to find the underlying cause of
autism.
Immediately following the press conference, researchers will
stay for an in-depth science presentation to members of
Congress, Senators and their health staff. Scientists and
physicians include: David Geier, Mark Geier, M.D., Jeff
Bradstreet, M.D., James B. Adams, Ph.D., Boyd Haley (Ph.D.),
and Jeff Segal, M.D. Other speakers will include Congressman
Dan Burton (R-IN), Congressman Dave Weldon, (R-FL),
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Lyn Redwood, President,
Safe Minds and Scott Bono, Advisory Board Member, The Autism
Autoimmunity Project.
Along with the release of important new details, scientists
and physicians are also expected to outline why more research
money is desperately needed. Presently, according to the CDC,
there are approximately 500,000 persons living with HIV
infection or AIDS in the United States.
According to the Autism Society of America, the U.S. autism
prevalence rate is three times as much at 1.5 million people.
Yet, with only 1/3 the number of people affected, HIV/AIDS
research at NIH has reached $2.2 billion. Autism research only
receives 2.5% of that figure at $56 million.
Autism is now looked at as being the largest and most
expensive children’s medical health crisis in America. A
recent report by Centers for Disease Control estimates that
autism now affects as many as 1 in 150 children, making it the
number one disability for children, more prevalent than
childhood cancer, diabetes and Down's Syndrome.
A study released in 2001 by California’s M.I.N.D. Institute
concluded that the increase in autism was not due to better
diagnosis, a broader diagnostic range, or migration patterns.
The exponential growth shows no signs of diminishing, and
according to a recent Reuters article, autism will cost the
American economy over $300 Billion in the next ten years. Some
speculate that number could reach into the trillions by the
time many autistic children reach the age of 18.
Reporters may schedule interviews with scientists ahead of
time by calling (919) 423-3749.
For more information visit
www.factsformedia.com ,
www.altcorp.com ,
www.autismautoimmunityproject.com , and
www.momsonamissionforautism.org .