PRESS 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 .