Text 3921, 96 rader
Skriven 2006-12-19 23:31:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0612193) for Tue, 2006 Dec 19
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Fact Sheet: Combating Autism Act of 2006
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 19, 2006

Fact Sheet: Combating Autism Act of 2006


˙˙˙˙˙ President's Statement on Combating Autism Act of 2006 ˙˙˙˙˙ President
Signs H.R. 5466, H.R. 6143, S. 843, and S. 3678


"For the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by autism, today is
a day of hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will increase public
awareness about this disorder and provide enhanced federal support for
autism research and treatment. By creating a national education program for
doctors and the public about autism, this legislation will help more people
recognize the symptoms of autism. This will lead to early identification
and intervention, which is critical for children with autism. I am proud to
sign this bill into law and confident that it will serve as an important
foundation for our Nation s efforts to find a cure for autism."

- President George W. Bush, 12/19/06

Today, President Bush Signed The Combating Autism Act Of 2006. This Act
authorizes expanded activities related to autism research, prevention, and
treatment through FY 2011. There are more than 1.5 million cases of autism
in the United States.
  ū Since The President Took Office, National Institutes Of Health (NIH)
    Funding For Autism-Related Research Has Increased By Over 80 Percent
    From $56 Million In FY 2001 To An Estimated $101 Million In The FY 2007
    Budget, Including Support For Autism Centers of Excellence. In
    addition, the Budget includes approximately $15 million at the Centers
    for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for autism surveillance and
    research, including five regional Centers of Excellence for Autism and
    Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology. In October, CDC
    initiated a $5.9 million study to help identify factors that may put
    children at risk for autism spectrum disorders and other developmental
    disabilities.

The Combating Autism Act Enhances Research, Surveillance, And Education
Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Act Authorizes Research Under NIH To Address The Entire Scope Of Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism, sometimes called "classical autism," is
the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as
the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome,
Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive
developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as
PDD-NOS).

The Act Authorizes Regional Centers Of Excellence For Autism Spectrum
Disorder Research And Epidemiology. These Centers collect and analyze
information on the number, incidence, correlates, and causes of ASD and
other developmental disabilities. The Act also authorizes grants to States
for collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to autism.

The Act Authorizes Activities To Increase Public Awareness Of Autism,
Improve The Ability Of Health Care Providers To Use Evidence-Based
Interventions, And Increase Early Screening For Autism. The Act authorizes
the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:
  ū Provide information and education on ASD and other developmental
    disabilities to increase public awareness of developmental milestones;
  ū Promote research into the development and validation of reliable
    screening tools for ASD and other developmental disabilities and
    disseminate information regarding those screening tools;
  ū Promote early screening of individuals at higher risk for ASD and other
    developmental disabilities as early as practicable;
  ū Increase the number of individuals who are able to confirm or rule out
    a diagnosis of ASD and other developmental disabilities;
  ū Increase the number of individuals able to provide evidence-based
    interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD or other developmental
    disabilities; and
  ū Promote the use of evidence-based interventions for individuals at
    higher risk for ASD and other developmental disabilities as early as
    practicable.

The Act Calls On The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) To
Enhance Information Sharing. The IACC provides a forum to facilitate the
efficient and effective exchange of information about autism activities,
programs, policies, and research among the Federal government, several
non-profit groups, and the public. The Combating Autism Act requires the
IACC to provide information and recommendations on ASD-related programs,
and to continue its work to develop and update annually a strategic plan
for ASD research.

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