Autism

According To New Data, An Estimated 48,000 New York Children Are Diagnosed With Autism

October 5, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - New numbers released today by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that 1 in 91 children suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). According to the new data, an estimated 48,000 children across New York suffer from Autism - more than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand renewed her call today for quality, affordable autism treatment for families. She is pushing legislation that would mandate autism coverage and urging greater federal investment in Autism research.    » read more »

June 20, 2009 -- BRYN MAWR – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today met with families in southeastern Pennsylvania to discuss what is at stake in the proposed state budget as it relates to autism services. An estimated 25,000 Pennsylvania children and adults live with an autism spectrum disorder.

“Pennsylvania has worked hard and made great progress for families who rely on services that their children need,” said Governor Rendell during an event at Bryn Mawr College. “Funding for these services is now being threatened. The budget proposed by Senate Republicans would cut funding for autism by nearly $8 million, which means cutting services and support to nearly 250 families.”    » read more »

Study Shows Autism Affects More New York Children than Pediatric Cancer, Diabetes, AIDS Combined, But Insurance Companies Not Covering Necessary Treatments

June 3, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - In response to new estimates that Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affects approximately 29,401 New York children - more than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is unveiling a three-point plan today to provide quality, affordable treatment to families who have children with ASD.

Even in the face of these rising numbers, insurance companies are refusing to provide adequate coverage, forcing middle class families to pay as much as $6,000 per month for treatment.

Senator Gillibrand's plan includes:    » read more »

Proposes Amendment to Bill Strengthening Coverage for Families With Autism

February 03, 2009 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today called on the Legislature to pass a bill that would require insurance companies to cover autism. Governor Doyle was joined at a press conference today in Madison with Senator Judy Robson and Representative Kim Hixson, as well as Mike Crute and Dr. Morton Ann Gernbacher, two parents of children with autism.    » read more »

STAMFORD, Conn, July 22, 2008 – Jenny McCarthy and Generation Rescue will take their fight against Autism to a WWE ring during Saturday Night’s Main Event® on August 2, 2008 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

The campaign to support Generation Rescue is already in full swing at WWE.com and can be found at wwe.com/shows/snme/generationrescuesnme/

“Many of our viewers have children or friends who are affected by autism and the WWE is committed to helping fund programs for families in need and advancing research that will help this generation of children,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.    » read more »

April 02, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Senator Obama today released the following statement in support of World Autism Awareness Day and Awareness Month.

"I am proud to add my voice in support of World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month, and to outline the steps that an Obama administration will take to address the problem of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) on every level.

Senator Barack Obama: Photo by Barack Obama campaign    » read more »

Legislation will be introduced during April, which is Autism Awareness Month

April 2, 2008 -- WASHINGTON – Today, on United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) voiced his continuing support for families affected by autism spectrum disorders and efforts to find a cause and cure for them. He also announced his intention to introduce legislation to support these families and individuals.

Senator Robert Menendez

Senator Menendez, whose home state has the highest rate of autism in the nation, said he plans to formally introduce the legislation later this month, which is Autism Awareness Month.    » read more »

April 2, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today launched the inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders with a press conference at the Capitol to observe World Autism Awareness Day. Established by executive order in March, the task force was created to recommend a unified and coordinated agenda for addressing autism in Florida and to advance public policy for the research, screening, education and the treatment of autism.

“Our children deserve the best possible means for success, and I understand the toll autism can take on a family,” Governor Crist said. “The task force will explore how we can help families navigate the system to locate and coordinate care and develop a strategy to increase early diagnosis.”    » read more »

December 03, 2007 -- Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today called on lawmakers to act next week on legislation to provide autism treatment and make all public places smokefree. Both houses of the legislature will be in session next week before adjourning for the end of the year.    » read more »

11/24/2007 -- Hillary Clinton today unveiled her plan to help children and families affected by autism, vowing to dramatically boost research funding and support services for families caring for an autistic loved one.    » read more »

September 12, 2007 -- West Windsor - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed a package of seven bills relating to autism spectrum disorders. These disorders are often characterized by substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests.    » read more »

Call on Legislature to Side with Wisconsin Families, Not Insurance Companies

August 07, 2007 -- GREENDALE – Joined by over 200 children, families, scientists and advocates, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today urged the legislature to mandate insurance companies to cover treatment for children affected by autism. Seventeen other states require insurance companies to cover autism treatments. As many as a half-million Americans under the age of 21 are autistic, equating to 1 in every 150 children who are affected by this disease.    » read more »

June 27, 2007 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today urged members of the General Assembly to stand up for thousands of young Pennsylvanians living with autism and their families who are forced to make difficult choices due to lack of insurance coverage.    » read more »

Calls on Legislature to Side with Wisconsin Families, Not Insurance Companies

April 30, 2007 -- MIDDLETON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today discussed his budget proposal that would require insurance companies to provide coverage for autistic children. Governor Jim Doyle met with Mike Crute and Liza Hellenbrand of Middleton, who have a personal stake in insurance coverage for autism treatment because of their three-year-old son Kadin, who undergoes extensive therapy for his autism. Autism treatment services are already covered in 16 states.    » read more »