A landmark hearing held on April 18, 2002, has declared autism a national health emergency in need of an exponential increase in research funding. In a hearing yesterday, members of the U.S. Congress's Committee on Government Reform acknowledged that funding for autism is embarrassingly low and vowed to support ASA's efforts to put an end to 60 years of unanswered questions.

ASA President Lee Grossman (pictured at left) and ASA Board Member Stephen Shore, who has an autism spectrum disorder, testified on behalf of the autism community at yesterday's hearing, pointing out that autism today affects as many as 1,500,000 individuals and is rising at an annual rate of 10 to 17 percent.

In his opening statement, Committee Chair Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) spoke about what he calls the "autism epidemic," and called for all branches of the government and the autism community to come together to fight this growing health crisis.

"We have an epidemic on our hands and we in Congress need to make sure that the NIH and CDC treat this condition like an epidemic," Burton said.

Grossman agreed. "Our nation is in the grasp of an autism national emergency health crisis; a crisis that demands a significantly more aggressive response from the federal government to counter the growing costs and fractured lives caused by autism," he said.

"Autism is growing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent per year. Based on these figures, in 10 years, the annual cost associated with autism could be $50 to $300 billion per year or more," he added.

The ASA is calling for increased funding levels for: 1) autism research, 2) early diagnosis and early intervention, 3) education for children, and 4) support and services for adults.

Grossman thanked the committee for acknowledging the autism epidemic and for giving ASA and others an opportunity to outline how the federal government should be spending more money to help.

"The committee has given us the chance to match real dollars with 60 years of hope-hope for children," he said.
 

Related Links:

ASA President Lee Grossman's Testimony

ASA Board Meeting Stephen Shore's Testimony

Congressman Dan Burton's Testimony (PDF Format)

News Release About April 18 Autism Hearing



 

Go Back To Home Page