Epanding the Promise Legislation

Dear Friends of the Autism Community,

While we do not know what causes autism, we do know that with early intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism and their families to live less isolated lives. The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) will provide additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism.

Bill Summary Description

The EPIAA will authorize approximately $350 million in new federal money – over and above all existing federal spending on autism – for important initiatives related to treatments, interventions, and services for both children and adults with autism. More specifically, the EPIAA authorizes - The creation of a task force (with not less than 1/3 autism community membership) to report to Congress and the Executive Branch on the state of evidence-based biomedical and behavioral treatments and
services for both children and adults with autism, including identifying gaps in applied research on such treatments, interventions and services. Demonstration grants for the coverage of treatments, interventions and services ($20 million annually).

Planning and demonstration grants for services for adults with autism ($20 million annually). Grants for the expansion of access to immediate post-diagnosis care
($10 million in Fiscal Year 2009, growing to $20 million by Fiscal Year 2012).
National training grants for the University Centers of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities for training, technical assistance and additional services for individuals with autism and their families $13.4 million annually). A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on service provision and financing. Grants to protection and advocacy systems to better meet the needs of families facing autism and other developmental disabilities, including legal representation ($6 million annually).

Current Status

Currently, the EPIAA House bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Congressman John Dingell (MI-15). The Senate version of the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy (MA).

Cosponsors

House Legislation - HR. 1881 was introduced by Congressman Michael Doyle (PA-14) on April 17, 2007. Currently, the bill has 23 cosponsors.

There are no WA state cosponsor of H.R. 1881? Please consider urging your House Representative to cosponsor the EPIAA, CLICK HERE to send an email!

Senate Legislation – S. 937 was introduced by Senator Hillary Clinton (NY) on March 20, 2007. Currently, the bill has 8 cosponsors.

Please consider sending an email to your senator urging them to cosponsor the EPIAA
legislation!!

5 minutes of your time today will make a difference. If you have more time, please consider asking 2 more parents of children with Autism to do the same.

Thank you for your consideration.

Peacefully,
Arzu