Bill provides for lifespan autism services and awareness

[Guest guest]

Bill provides for lifespan autism services and awareness

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a companion to the

Helping HANDS for Autism Act this week.

The Helping HANDS for Autism Act (HR 6282) is a three-part legislative

package designed to support families dealing with autism spectrum disorders,

increase awareness among first responders and public safety officials and

provide housing options and services for adults with autism. It was

introduced by Reps. Kay Granger (R-TX), Jim McGovern (D-MA),

(R-NJ), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Dan Burton (R-IN) and Hinojosa (D-TX). The

bill is a companion to S 2950, introduced in the Senate last April.

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum

disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 60 families

learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care,

support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues

that make autism a national public health issue. Though there is no cure,

autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.

What the Bill Does:

1. Creates a grant program to provide " autism navigator " services to

help families navigate the web of services and care they need. Navigators

will help guide families to current health, education, housing and social

services that are often available to individuals on the autism spectrum. Too

often, families feel overwhelmed after diagnosis and often lost as to where

to turn for help. The program will help connect families to important

treatment options soon after diagnosis, help families identify education

options, and help coordinate individuals' care and community support.

2. Provides for the development, demonstration and dissemination of a

standard curriculum for the training of first responders (police, fire

departments, emergency medical technicians and other volunteers) in

assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral

disabilities. It provides grants to states and local governments to support

training of first responders. People with developmental disabilities,

including autism, have up to seven times more contact with law enforcement

officers than others, according to an article in the F.B.I. Law Enforcement

Bulletin in April 2001. That is why training is so important. Something as

simple as first responders turning off flashing lights and sirens on a

police car could make the difference between a peaceful or chaotic

encounter.

3. Creates a HUD task force comprised of appropriate national and state

autism advocacy groups, community-based organizations and parents who are

charged with developing a housing demonstration grant program for adults

with autism. The goal of the grant program is to provide individualized

housing and services to adults with autism spectrum disorders.