Making Autism a National Priority
Thursday, March 15, 2007
By: Marguerite Kirst Colston

ASA Pursuing FY 2008 Autism Appropriations

On December 19, 2006, President Bush signed the landmark Combating Autism Act of 2006 (CAA).  This critical legislation recognized autism as a national public health priority, and authorized a significant increase in funding for autism research, diagnosis and early intervention.  In all, this legislation provided for almost $1 billion for autism related activities at the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and other federal agencies.  To achieve the promise of the CAA, ASA supports a funding level of $168 million for activities under the Combating Autism Act.  Specifically, the bill provides for:

Ø      $645 million to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the National Institutes of Health with respect to research on autism spectrum disorder.  This includes funding for research into the causes of autism, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, services, supports, intervention, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.  For FY 2008, ASA supports a funding level of $114.5 million for this important program.

o    $90 million for the CDC’s Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program.  This program supports data collection, analysis, and reporting, so that we can better understand the scope of the autism epidemic.  It also supports the establishment of regional centers of excellence to collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlates, and causes of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.  For FY 2008, ASA supports a funding level of $16.5 million for this important program.

Ø      $210 million to increase awareness, reduce barriers to screening and diagnosis, promote evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism, and train professionals to utilize valid and reliable screening tools to diagnose autism and provide evidence-based interventions for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.  For FY 2008, ASA supports a funding level of $37 million for this important program.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders increases, we must ensure that teachers, classrooms, and school districts are prepared to meet their special needs.  The Autism Society of America calls on Congress to provide adequate funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to ensure that their provisions and protections can be effectively implemented, monitored and enforced.