Lawmakers react to new CDC data on autism

Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) recently joined a bipartisan group of legislators and the advocacy group Autism Speaks to call on Congress to take steps to address the rising prevalence of autism.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that one in every 68 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. That amount is 30 percent higher than a previous CDC estimate.

Meehan said he has seen the work done by parents, educators and healthcare professionals to help children with autism spectrum disorder develop critical social and intellectual abilities.

“The data released by the CDC (on Thursday) is a sobering reminder of the urgency of addressing the autism epidemic,” Meehan said. “Legislation like the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act and the reauthorization of the Combating Autism Act will support research initiatives and improve the lives of people struggling with autism and their families. I’m proud to work with my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat and in the House and in the Senate, to fight for those affected by autism.”

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) cosponsored the ABLE Act in the Senate, which would provide tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with developmental disabilities to use for education, transportation, medical, housing and other qualified expenditures.

“(Thursday’s) news on the prevalence of autism is substantially worse than we ever thought,” Burr said. “Children and adults with autism face enormous daily challenges, and it is important that we do what we can to support these individuals and their families as they deal with the day-to-day struggles presented by autism spectrum disorders.”

Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.) introduced a House version of the ABLE Act.

Autism Speaks President Liz Feld said autism needs to be prioritized on the national level with a comprehensive strategy that includes researchers, lawmakers, educators and caregivers.