Pallone Announces Progress Made in Understanding Autism Disorders, Challenges Remain

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) Friday announced increased funding levels for research over the past four years have helped to better understand the spectrum autism disorders. A Health and Human Services report on the status of autism in America which affects an estimated 1 of every 94 children in New Jersey, concludes that continued research focusing on identifying genetic and environmental triggers will yield treatment and prevention strategies.

“The growing numbers of those with autism in New Jersey and nationwide are alarming,” said Pallone. “This is an urgent public health concern that must be addressed. There are still many unanswered questions about autism, but it’s my hope that Congress can build on the progress we’ve already made raising awareness about this disorder by combating it through research, and through needed supports and services. ”

The report, mandated by the Combating Autism Act of 2006 which Pallone helped enact, evaluated research of Autism Spectrum disorders, the progress we have made so far, and the challenges that families of children and adults with this disorder continue to face.

The Health and Human Services report assessed progress in key areas of the Combating Autism Act, including:

• Progress implementing the provisions of the Combating Autism Act of 2006;
• Information on the average age of diagnosis for children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities;
• Information on the average time between initial screening and then diagnosis;
• Information on the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

The programs in the Combating Autism Act expire in 2011 and will be up for reauthorization.