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.
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