Despite all the wrangling and politicking, the much-anticipated Combat Autism Act has passed. The bill authorizes almost $1 Billion to be spent over the next five years on research and towards combating autism. Here is the news story from NewsWeek.

This was largely driven by parents and is a stunning example of advocacy and action in America.

Last summer the Senate unanimously passed a follow-up bill called the Combating Autism Act. It not only calls for a doubling of funds for autism research, but also for autism screening, surveillance and early intervention programs in all 50 states.

Autism groups supported the broader NIH bill when it passed the House. They hoped, in turn, the sponsor of that bill, outgoing House Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton of Texas, would help push their autism bill. But that hasn’t happened. Now some leading voices in the autism advocacy community, including radio host Don Imus, have had harsh public words for Barton.

There is still a long way to go in having this bill funded in a way that directly helps autism. Do not be shy in letting your opinion be heard with your representative.
To read or listen to this story on NPR please click here