CDC, Autism Society and Autism Speaks Hold Autism Seminar in New Brunswick, New Jersey

April 29, 2011
By Autism Society

Event commemorates 10 years of the NCBDDD

Media Contact:
Amanda Glensky, Media Specialist
301-657-0881 ext. 9015
aglensky@autism-society.org

(New Brunswick, NJ - April 29, 2011) In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the Autism Speaks and the Autism Society today held a seminar, Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding an Urgent Public Health Concern, to recognize the advancements of the past decade that resulted from their partnership with the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), and examine future challenges with a unified approach.

As two of the largest autism organizations in the United States, the Autism Society and Autism Speaks have made great strides in policy change, research, and access to support and credible information. Both organizations co-hosted this event honoring the 10 year anniversary of the creation of the NCBDDD, as the agency’s work has been integral to their work supporting the autism community. The seminar was held in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, and the state’s leading autism research and advocacy organizations at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.   The seminar is one of six national community engagement events being held to mark the 10 year anniversary of the creation of NCBDDD.  Designed as a learning experience for partner organizations, the seminar provided a forum to review the work done during the past decade and to discuss future challenges at the community, state and national levels.
 
Conference panelists included representatives from NCBDDD, Autism Speaks, the Autism Society, and New Jersey-based agencies devoted to autism research, advocacy and awareness.   The discussion covered a variety of issues facing individuals with autism, including advancements in the science and public health approach to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), state and community initiatives, and ways to make a difference in the lives of families affected by this urgent public health concern. 

“We came to New Jersey because the state is in the forefront of providing comprehensive services and successful policy change to benefit children and families with autism spectrum disorders,” said Dr. Coleen Boyle, NCBDDD director.  “It was inspiring to hear the stories told today and be reminded of the important work that’s been done. But there is still so much to do.  With the help of our long-standing partners Autism Speaks and the Autism Society, we will continue this vital work.”

 “Autism Speaks is proud to partner with CDC, Autism Society and various state and local agencies to recognize the anniversary of the NCBDDD and groundbreaking work that began here in New Jersey over a decade ago,” said Peter Bell, Autism Speaks’ Executive Vice President of Programs and Services. “Thanks to the efforts of these organizations, tremendous progress has been made in understanding autism and spreading awareness.   We are committed to building on these successes with our partners through continued autism research and advocacy initiatives for families and individuals affected by this public health crisis.”  

“I’m honored to be here in New Jersey to recognize our families, champions and, to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of NCBDDD,” said Jeff Sell, Autism Society Vice President, Public Policy and General Counsel at the Autism Society. “It seems like it was just yesterday when the autism community rejoiced at the signing of the Children’s Health Act of 2000 (signed into law on October 17, 2000) and we had renewed hope and faith that actions would be taken to meaningfully address the needs of our families.”

CDC’s role in New Jersey to understand ASD began in 1998 with the first autism study conducted in Brick Township.  Later, in 2000, New Jersey became a site for ongoing monitoring of the prevalence of ASD among eight-year-old children through CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.  In 2010, CDC selected New Jersey to conduct supplemental surveillance of ASD among four year olds along with five other sites. 

CDC estimates an average of one in 110 (or 1%) children in the United States have an ASD.  ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but are four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.  There is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorders, but research shows that early intervention treatment services can greatly improve a child’s development. 

Since its inception in 2001, NCBDDD has continued to bring a public health focus to the field of developmental disabilities across the lifespan.  Along with its conference partners, NCBDDD is committed to doing all that can be done to understand ASDs, in order to promote the health of babies, children and adults and enhance the potential for full, productive living.

About the Autism Society
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Together with more than 150 chapters nationwide, the Autism Society increases public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocates for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and provides the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $160 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks’ Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 25 states thus far, with bills pending in an additional 12 states. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

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