IV
107TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 91
Recognizing the importance of increasing awareness of the autism spectrum
disorder, and supporting programs for greater research and improved
treatment of autism and improved training and support for individuals
with autism and those who care for them.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MARCH 29, 2001
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for himself and Mr. DOYLE) submitted the fol-
lowing concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education
and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within
the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the importance of increasing awareness of the
autism spectrum disorder, and supporting programs for
greater research and improved treatment of autism and
improved training and support for individuals with au-
tism and those who care for them.
Whereas the Autism Society of America, Cure Autism Now,
the National Alliance for Autism Research, Unlocking
Autism, and numerous other organizations commemorate
April 27 as Autism Awareness Day and April as Autism
Awareness Month;
•HCON 91 IH
Whereas autism is a developmental disorder that is typically
diagnosed during the first three years of life;
Whereas autism has robbed at least 400,000 Americans of
their ability to communicate and interact with others;
Whereas autism affects at least 1 in every 500 children in
America;
Whereas autism is 4 times more likely in boys than in girls,
and can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or
other factors;
Whereas the cost of specialized treatment in a developmental
center for autistic persons is approximately $80,000 per
individual per year;
Whereas the cost of special education programs for school-
aged children with autism is often more than $30,000
per individual per year;
Whereas the cost nationally of caring for persons affected by
autism is estimated at more than $13 billion per year;
and
Whereas, despite the fact that autism is one of the most com-
mon developmental disorders, many professionals in the
medical and educational fields are still unaware of the
best methods to diagnose and treat the disorder: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) supports the goals and ideas of Autism
Awareness Day and Month;
(2) recognizes and commends the parents and
relatives of autistic children for their sacrifice and
•HCON 91 IH
dedication in providing for the special needs of their
autistic children and absorbing significant financial
costs for specialized education and support services;
(3) supports the goal of increasing Federal
funding for aggressive research to learn the root
causes of autism, identify the best methods of early
intervention and treatment, and promote under-
standing of the special needs of autistic persons;
(4) urges the Department of Health and
Human Services to continue to press for the swift
and full implementation of the Children’s Health Act
of 2000, particularly the establishment of not less
than three ‘‘Centers of Excellence’’ at the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention and not less
than five ‘‘Centers of Excellence’’ at the National
Institutes of Health, in order to monitor the preva-
lence of autism at a national level, leading to a bet-
ter understanding of autism and related disorders;
(5) stresses the need to begin early intervention
services soon after a child has been diagnosed with
autism, noting that early intervention strategies, in-
cluding Applied Behavioral Analysis, are the primary
therapeutic options for young autistic persons;
(6) supports the goal of federally funding 40
percent of the costs of the Individuals with Disabil-