Study Indicates Autism Affects 1 in 91; We Need Answers

e-Speaks || October 9, 2009 New Study Puts Autism Prevalence at 1 in 91 A new study published October 5 in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics found a parent-reported autism prevalence rate of one in every 91 American children, including one in 58 boys. Autism prevalence numbers are growing. Read more about the study and view media coverage. We Need Answers! In light of the fact that autism prevalence figures are growing, Autism Speaks has launched an online campaign "We Need Answers" to galvanize the community to act. We ask you, your friends and the government to get involved. Start now by letting your friends and families know that the new study indicates autism affects 1 in 91. IACC Subcommittee Meeting Focused on Updating the Strategic Plan The Subcommittee for Planning the Annual Strategic Plan Updating Process, a subcommittee of the IACC, met recently to discuss new research gaps, opportunities to advance research and prioritizing goals. Included in the discussions were individuals with ASD, family members, clinicians, researchers, and others. Researchers Focus on Non-Verbal Autism In its quest to find answers, Autism Speaks High Risk High Impact Initiative convened a meeting focused specifically on non-verbal individuals with autism. The goal is to provide new insights into the capabilities and potential treatment approaches for those who are unable to communicate through speech. Why I Walk: For More Research Funding Why does Julianne McCall participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks? To emphasize the need to fund more autism research that helps people who have autism, like her younger sister. Read Julianne's story and check out recaps from eight great Walks that happened last weekend. Acts of Love Salutes Autism Honorees The seventh annual Acts of Love event, a literary and musical celebration, honored one organization and three individuals that exemplify the mission of Autism Speaks. The evening, which attracted hundreds of guests and celebrities, raised more than $95,000. In Their Own Words: What to do After the Blackout In this week's essay, a mother tells how after her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, caring for him and adjusting to his needs became the most noble profession she could have undertaken. Coming Soon October 10 Baltimore Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Towson, Md.) Carolinas Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Concord, N.C.) Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Cleveland, Ohio) Kansas City Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Kansas City, Kan.) St. Louis Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Forest Park, Mo.) October 11 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago, Ill.) Central New Jersey Walk Now for Autism Speaks (West Windsor, N.J.) Columbus Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Columbus, Ohio) Greater Austin Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Round Rock, Texas) Seventh Annual Ride for Autism Speaks Chicago (Chicago, Ill.) Southeast Michigan Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Auburn Hills, Mich.) October 14 Autism Speaks to Wall Street: Third Annual Celebrity Chef Gala (New York, N.Y.)     We Need Answers!   In light of the fact that autism prevalence figures are growing, Autism Speaks has launched an online campaign "We Need Answers" to galvanize the community to act. We ask you, your friends and the government to get involved. Start now by letting your friends and families know that the new study indicates autism affects 1 in 91. Donate Now | Contact Us | Forward to a Friend This e-mail is only available in HTML format. If you cannot read HTML messages, just click the following link to view this e-mail in your browser: http://www.autismspeaks.org/html_email/e_speaks_2009_1009.php. © 2009 Autism Speaks, Inc. Please add contactus@autismspeaks.org to your address book or safe sender list to ensure e-Speaks is delivered to your inbox.

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NAMI UPDATE: INCREASE FOR VETERANS

House Passes Increases for Veterans Mental Illness Treatment

August 1, 2008

By a vote of 409-4 the House today passed legislation funding the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY 2009. The bill (HR 6599) includes $3.8 billion for mental illness treatment and $584 million for substance abuse treatment in the VA, significant increases over current year funding. Overall, the Veterans Health Administration budget is set at $40.8 billion for FY 2009 -- $1.6 billion more than the President requested and $3.9 billion more than current levels. It is projected that the VA will serve 5.8 million veterans in 2009.

For homeless veterans, HR 6599 allocates $130 million for the homeless grants and per diem program, rejecting a proposal from the Bush Administration to cut the program by $8 million. This allocation also includes $32 million to hire additional personnel as part of the joint HUD-VA "VASH" program for veterans supportive housing. A separate bill funding the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) appropriates an additional $75 million at HUD for rent subsidies, i.e. the housing side of this joint program.

The bill also includes $500 million for medical research at the VA, $38 million more than the President requested and $20 million more than was allocated in FY 2008. A full summary of HR 6599 can be found HERE:

Next Steps for the VA Budget

With House action on the VA spending bill, Congress has now adjourned for its summer recess and will not return to Washington until the week of September 8. In September, these will be efforts to complete action on HR 6599 before FY 2009 begins on October 1. However, the other FY 2009 discretionary spending bills - including those covering mental illness research, services and housing programs are unlikely to be passed before October 1. As a result these other programs are expected to be funded after October 1 at current FY 2008 levels - perhaps through March of 2009.

Autism Speaks Awards

e-Speaks || July 25, 2008
Autism Speaks Awards More than $4.5 Million in Basic and Clinical Grants
Autism Speaks has awarded 24 new grants in the fields of basic and clinical research dedicated to autism. Two types of grants were awarded: two-year Pilot grants that explore newer, particularly innovative lines of research, and three-year Basic and Clinical grants that build on more established research. The funded projects take a variety of approaches toward revealing the underlying biology and causes of autism. Read more about the newly funded grants here and see the complete list of Pilot and BASIC AND CLINICAL GRANTS

Olympian Joins Tacoma's 4th Annual Walk Now for Autism
850 participants raised over $76,000 at the 4th annual Tacoma Walk Now for Autism, which took place at Cheney Stadium. Walkers were treated to an inspirational speech by local Olympic weightlifter Melanie Roach. Read more and view photos here. Join us at one of our Walks across the United States, Canada or in the United Kingdom; find your local event here.


La. Governor Signs Autism Insurance Bill into Law
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed House Bill 958, the autism insurance reform bill, into law on July 2. The bill had passed the legislature unanimously in June. The new law requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in patients under age seventeen. Covered treatments include: habilitative care, rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care. Benefits are capped at $36,000 per year and $144,000 over the lifetime. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2009. For more information, visit HERE.


Family Services Committee Requests Grant Proposals
Autism Speaks is once again seeking proposals to fund projects that will enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Proposals for these family services grants are sought in the following areas: Recreation/Community Activities; Education; Equipment/Support Technology; or Young Adult/Adult Services. Educators, trainers and services providers who work with individuals with autism are invited to apply. Applications are due by September 26, 2008 11:59 p.m. (EST). Since the inception of Autism Speaks' Family Services Community Grant program in December 2007, over $1 million has been awarded to 50 community programs across the nation. Read more.


Stars, Families Enjoy "Over the Top" Circus Performance
Neil Patrick Harris Autism Speaks and Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus teamed up on July 16 to welcome celebrities, families affected by autism and the general public to the opening night performance of the "Over the Top" show at Los Angeles' Staples Center, which promoted autism awareness while raising funds for Autism Speaks. Read more and see photos here.


"Autism: The Musical" Nominated for Five Emmy Awards
"Autism: The Musical," which premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, has been nominated for Emmys in five categories: outstanding nonfiction special; outstanding directing for nonfiction programming; outstanding cinematography for nonfiction programming; outstanding picture editing for nonfiction programming; and outstanding sound editing for nonfiction programming (single or multi-camera). The documentary tells the story of five children, their families and one acting coach as they heroically mount a full-length original stage production. Purchase "Autism: The Musical" on DVD here.


In Their Own Words: The Crucial String
In our latest "In Their Own Words" essay, a mother recounts her 15-year-old son with autism's upbringing, comparing it to beautifully playing an instrument that is missing a crucial string. Read more.
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BE A STARTER FOR NASCAR!

Image via WikipediaCHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM E-AUTISM SPEAKS FOR THIS WEEK!
e-Speaks || May 9, 2008
Florida Passes Autism Insurance Legislation

Connecticut Passes Trimmed Down Autism Bill

Inaugural Walks in Ohio and Utah Raise Over $650,000


Department of Defense Announces $5.9 Million in Autism Research Funding


Symposium Focuses on Role of Environment in Autism

Don't Miss your Last Chance to the be the Honorary Starter at a NASCAR Race!


Suzanne Wright Honored with Spirit of Achievement Award


"Autism: the Musical" DVD Now Available


In Their Own Words: Understanding Comes With Experience

Write. Edit. Repeat.: An Interview with Autism Activist Mika Bradford

Image via Wikipedia
Write. Edit. Repeat.: An Interview with Autism Activist Mika Bradford
This is a great article that most will want to read.

WEIGH IN WITH YOUR OPINION!

Image via WikipediaThis is an interesting aspect. Not knowing enough about Autism leaves me wondering. Is this a new approach or has it been around awhile? Is it a solution? Weigh in with your opinion, please. The more we are educated the more support we can offer.

This being Autism Awareness month it would be great to have some Mom's or Dad's that are living with Autism weigh in on here. Leave your opinion or start a discussion.