Guest guest Posted July 23, 2003 Report Share Posted July 23, 2003 scategory=The+Iraq+Situation &    Scientists, physicians, Capitol Hill leaders and parents of autistic children will hold a press conference Wednesday, July 23rd, to announce the latest discoveries into the cause of autism. Held at the Rayburn Office Building, Room 2203, at 10:00 a.m., many will also be there to demand a White House Conference.    Thousands of parents recently wrote the President requesting a White House Conference to discuss the issues surrounding the rise in autism. Although most requests were not answered, a letter to one parent from President Bush stated that he simply didn't have time. “He preaches 'No Child Left Behind' but he is not willing to put the number one health crisis of America's children on the national agenda?†asks Bobbie Manning, parent of an autistic child. “My son and thousands like him are sick. They need medical help that won't happen without the necessary research funding,†she says.    Independent researchers are now coming forward to tell of their latest medical findings. Parents want the government to take notice and fund other studies to follow the groundbreaking research.    In an open letter to President Bush, Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) wrote, “We must develop solutions to help families and communities cope with this crisis, and we must also do all we can to determine what is causing this epidemic and learn how to stop it. A White House Conference could bring together the best scientific minds to chart a comprehensive research agenda to uncover the underlying causes of this epidemic, including the exploration of the biologically plausible theory of mercury poisoning though childhood immunizations and dental amalgams.†   Autism is now the number one disability for children, even more prevalent than childhood cancer, diabetes and Down's Syndrome. A study released in 2001 by California's M.I.N.D. Institute concluded that the increase in autism was not due to better diagnosis, a broader diagnostic range, or migration patterns. The report concluded that the increase is real.    School budgets are collapsing under the weight of educating autistic children. Medicaid and other social programs in cities and states are feeling the pressure. Autism will cost the American economy over $300 Billion in the next ten years. A recent CDC report found that as many as 1 in 150 children now have autism, which would equal to about 1 in every 68 families. In 1990, only 1 in 10,000 children were affected. April Oakes, Vice-President of the Autism Autoimmunity Project said, “We are now at epidemic levels. If you don't know someone with autism now, you will soon.†Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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