Radio Program on Autism Caucus

[Guest guest]

Concerned Parent

Please find Chuck Colson's article below outlining the congressional

caucus on autism, and his ecouragement for political involvement.

Chuck Colson, has a daily radio program and last week he did a special on

Autism. He has a grand child who is autistic.

This e:mail address is for Mr. Colson, If we could get everyone to send

him a quick thank you note for the article he wrote on autism it may make

a difference in the future.

correspondence@...

Contact Prison Fellowship®

P.O. Box 17500

Washington, DC 20041-7500

http://www.pfmonline.net/CCOM_ZipSearch.taf

His article on autism follows:

Bob Meyer

BreakPoint with Colson

Commentary #010226 - 2/26/2001

Completely Pro-Life: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

A few days ago, more than a hundred people crowded in

a Capitol Hill meeting room to announce the creation

of new congressional caucus. Now, there are many

bipartisan caucuses in Congress, but this is one that

deserves both our attention and our support.

The new caucus is the Congressional Autism Caucus.

Autism, a developmental disability that has been

described as a sort of " mind blindness, " afflicts one

in every 500 children in America. It's more common

than Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, or Cystic

Fibrosis.

Autism often robs children of their ability to

communicate and interact with the outside world. And

caring for children with autism can be stressful for

their parents. I know this from personal experiences,

since my grandson, Max, is autistic. It's a challenge

for my daughter , but, I hasten to add, a real

blessing from God.

The Congressional Autism Caucus cited the " neglect "

of autism by " federal health, medical and scientific

research programs. " And it told the media what

parents of autistic children already know, that

" there are no diagnostic laboratory tests for autism,

and there are no [FDA] approved treatments for its

symptoms. "

That's why Congressman of New Jersey,

along with several colleagues, formed the Caucus. The

goal is to raise the profile of this issue and see

what can be done for autistic children and their

parents. As 's letter to the Caucus put it, the

idea is to become " a voice for the voiceless. " And if

you're familiar with 's record, then

you'll understanding how fitting that formulation is.

Representative has made a career of being a

" voice for the voiceless. " The Washington Post called

him " incorruptible, principled [and] concerned for

the underdog. "

Those underdogs include the unborn. 's tenacity

on behalf of the unborn is legendary. He won't

hesitate to bring Capitol Hill to a grinding halt, if

that's what it takes. When President Bush recently

reversed the Clinton administration's policy on

federal money for organizations that promote abortion

overseas, it was mostly 's doing.

's concern for the voiceless also extends to

those already born. It includes victims of religious

persecution in China and persecuted people in Tibet.

And, this concern led him to support an international

ban on land mines.

If all were bringing to the fight against

autism were his energy and determination, I would be

happy. But he brings -- or I should say, he embodies

-- something else.

That's the understanding that fighting against autism

comes out of the same moral convictions as protecting

the unborn: both the child in the womb and the

autistic child (who may not understand what you're

saying) are " fearfully and wonderfully made " by God.

But they are vulnerable, which is why God calls his

people to pay special attention to protecting them.

That's why I'm grateful to Congressman for what

he's trying to do.

You can help too. Get your congressperson or senator

to sign up as part of 's caucus. It's a

great way to help a great bunch of kids and their

families and to remind Christians and non-Christians

alike what it really means to be " pro-life. "

For further reference:

Rosenfeld, . " The Congressman's Faith Accompli. "

Washington Post, 10 June 1997.

, H. and Mike Doyle. Memorandum

regarding Congressional Autism Conference, 13 February

2001. http://www.autisminfo.com/caucus.htm>

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