Senator Barack Obama’s Statement on Autism

[Guest guest]

July 10, 2008

Autism Society of America/National Health Council

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in the Autism Society of

America and National Health

Council’s Town Hall Meeting on health reform. I am sorry that I am not able

to join you in person, but

appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts on these important topics.

As you all know, more than one million Americans have autism spectrum

disorders, a complex set of

neurobiological conditions that have a range of impacts on thinking,

feeling, language, and the ability to relate

to others. As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more

cases of ASD have been recognized

across the country. I believe that we can do more to help Americans with ASD

and their families understand

and live with these conditions. That's why I am committed to increasing

federal funding for autism

research and treatment to $1 billion annually by the end of my first term in

office. I also believe that we

should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

to truly ensure that no child is left

behind.

I also support the adoption of a comprehensive plan designed to provide

lifelong supports and resources

to Americans with ASD and other disabilities. This plan would ensure that

their needs are met by:

• Reclaiming America's global leadership on disability issues by becoming a

signatory to -- and having the

Senate ratify -- the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities;

• Providing Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities

they need to succeed.

• Ending discrimination and promoting equal opportunity

• Increasing the employment rate of workers with disabilities, and

• Supporting independent, community-based living for Americans with

disabilities.

More importantly, as you have all gathered here today to discuss, access to

health care is a pressing need

– one that we can no longer afford to ignore. As President, I will make high

quality, portable health care plans

affordable to all Americans, including the self-employed and small

businesses. My plan protects Americans

who already have health insurance, and provides coverage for Americans who

don't have health insurance. It

would provide guaranteed eligibility, no limits for pre-existing conditions

or illnesses, would ensure

comprehensive benefits, and would have affordable premiums, co-pays and

deductibles.

Addressing autism spectrum disorders and the larger problems with our health

care system will not be

easy. It will require bipartisan cooperation and strong leadership. More

importantly, it will take the dedicated

support and advocacy or grassroots organizations like the ASA, policy

organizations like the NHC, and the

energy and expertise of all of you.

Thank you, again, for your leadership on this effort. I look forward to

working with you on these

important issues.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

" Ms. Michele "

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