For those calling media today

[Guest guest]

Thank you to those calling the media this morning. One last press release was

faxed to the media this morning. Here are the details you need when calling:

I am a parent of a child with autism and want to make sure you are aware of the

press conference being held today in .

Chairman Barton still refuses to release the Combating Autism Act (S.843) from

his committee. Parents of children with autism are now calling on Speaker

Hastert to release the Combating Autism Act (S.843) for consideration by the

full House this session. Come hear parents explain how the Combating Autism Act

is essential if we are to rescue an entire generation of children already at

risk of being lost forever to this devastating disorder.

Press Conference today at 11:00 a.m.

The Renaissance Hotel at 900 E. Lookout Drive in

Speaker Hastert will be at the Renaissance Hotel today to deliver the keynote

address at a fundraising luncheon for Congressman Sam .

Key Message: Release the Combating Autism Act (S.843) from the House Energy and

Commerce Committee for consideration by the full House this session.

Talking Points:

1) Children with Autism Cannot Wait Another Day for S.843.

- S.843 makes the autism epidemic a national priority and must be passed this

session.

- Delays in diagnosis and treatments keep our children from reaching their full

potential.

- Each year we wait, another 36,000 children will be lost to this devastating

disorder.

2) S.843 and Chairman Barton’s NIH Reform Bill are NOT mutually exclusive.

- Chairman Barton’s NIH Reform Bill alone is silent about Autism and offers no

guarantee that the epidemic will be addressed.

- S.843 is consistent with the Chairman’s philosophy of NIH Reform.

- S.843 is a carefully balanced bill.

- S.843 devotes $900 million over five years for autism research.

- S.843 will research the environment’s role in autism.