O.T. Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends of the Autism Community,

While we do not know what causes autism, we do know that with early

intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism

spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism

and their families to live less isolated lives. The Expanding the

Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) will provide

additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to

effective therapies and essential support services for people with

autism.

Bill Summary Description

The EPIAA will authorize approximately $350 million in new federal

money – over and above all existing federal spending on autism – for

important initiatives related to treatments, interventions, and

services for both children and adults with autism.

More specifically, the EPIAA authorizes -

The creation of a task force (with not less than 1/3 autism community

membership) to report to Congress and the Executive Branch on the

state of evidence-based biomedical and behavioral treatments and

services for both children and adults with autism, including

identifying gaps in applied research on such treatments,

interventions and services.

Demonstration grants for the coverage of treatments, interventions

and services ($20 million annually).

Planning and demonstration grants for services for adults with autism

($20 million annually).

Grants for the expansion of access to immediate post-diagnosis care

($10 million in Fiscal Year 2009, growing to $20 million by Fiscal

Year 2012).

National training grants for the University Centers of Excellence for

Developmental Disabilities for training, technical assistance and

additional services for individuals with autism and their families

($13.4 million annually).

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on service provision

and financing.

Grants to protection and advocacy systems to better meet the needs of

families facing autism and other developmental disabilities,

including legal representation ($6 million annually).

Current Status

Currently, the EPIAA House bill has been referred to the House Energy

and Commerce Committee, chaired by Congressman Dingell (MI-15).

The Senate version of the bill has been referred to the Senate

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by

Senator Kennedy (MA).

Cosponsors

House Legislation - HR. 1881 was introduced by Congressman

Doyle (PA-14) on April 17, 2007. Currently, the bill has 23 cosponsors.

CLICK HERE to read the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by

Representatives Mike Doyle, , Eliot Engel, and Chip

Pickering.

There are no WA state cosponsor of H.R. 1881? Please consider urging

your House Representative to cosponsor the EPIAA, CLICK HERE to send

an email!

Senate Legislation – S. 937 was introduced by Senator Hillary Clinton

(NY) on March 20, 2007. Currently, the bill has 8 cosponsors.

There are no WA state cosponsors,Please consider to CLICK HERE to

send an email to your senator urging them to cosponsor the EPIAA

legislation!!

5 minutes of your time today will make a difference. If you have

more time, please consider asking 2 more parents of children with

Autism to do the same.

Thank you for your consideration.

Peacefully,

Arzu