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Autism Speaks Applauds Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) for Reintroducing the Helping HANDS for Autism Act

Washington, DC (March 25, 2009) -- Autism Speaks today thanked Senator Robert Menendez for reintroducing the Helping HANDS for Autism Act. This bill, previously introduced last year, contains three spearate provisions aimed at providing help to individuals and families affected by autism.

The first section will establish an "Autism Navigator" program to help families navigate throught the complex system of services. The second second section seeks to put into place a standard curriculum for the training of first responders in assisting individuals with autism. The third section will create a task force to oversee the establishment of a housing demonstration grant program for adults with autism.

“Each of the three titles included in this legislation offers an important opportunity to address an area of concern for families affected by Autism,” said Elizabeth Emken, Vice President of Government Relations for Autism Speaks. “Autism Speaks thanks Senator Menendez for his leadership in helping families face the challenges associated with autism.”

Comments:

Anonymous @ 3/27/2009 11:35:13 PM

This HELPING HANDS FOR AUTISM ACT STILL NEEDS WORK ! I am a grandmother of a child on speck.That we have had to care for since he was 3 full time ,i have always been his care giver one way or another started off being babysitter,no daycare would keep him as infant all he did was scream ,until he was 3 when mother gave me custody,WHY she couldn't handle him at 3 he was always hitting her and everyone else,mother being single parent had to work ,so it was up to me to get child all he needed MEDICAL&MENTAL,WE MAKE LOTS OF TRIPS as most of his doctors are at least 1-2 hr.away.He gets SSI GREAT sorta ,Out of his check SSI take out child-support as they should BUT THEY ALSO DEDUCT 200+DOLLARS AND CALL THAT MY CONTROBUTION.WHY? I CAN'T WORK OUTSIDE HOME SPOUSE only work p/t.My health not good so it takes both to care for child w/all his mood swings.IT IS JUST WRONG SOMETHING NEEDS BE DONE TO FIX AS I DON'T BELIVE IT ONLY HAPPEN TO ME.

Anonymous @ 3/28/2009 2:41:58 PM

I'm a mother of a child with Autism as well! We lost our skills at the age of two one right after the other due to the immunization shots; earaches? Nobody, really knows why these things happen! Now, we have MR and a brain disorder! Somebody needs to support us, working with our kids around the clock and sacrifices we've had to make to help others!

Anonymous @ 4/2/2009 6:31:25 PM

I am so tired of doing my own research for things that should be out in the open for my child. His diagnosis affects so many differents parts of who he is, I am amazed I am still SANE!!

Anonymous @ 4/28/2009 7:59:50 AM

How can I become more active in helping to get the bill passed here in NJ for insurance coverage for children who are autistic? I have a 2.5 yr old on the spectrum and am drowning with expenses and especially today with the economy the way it is. We all need coverage there are many who cannot afford services desperately needed for our children. Intervention is the key to helping our children, providing coverage would open the doors for our kids!!! I am an advocate for early intervention and awareness and need to know how I as a parent can help get this bill passed sooner!

Anonymous @ 5/4/2009 12:57:10 PM

Pay now or pay later. States need to understand that forcing insurance companies to pay for therapy will pay dividends. Those who are against this have to understand that every dollar provided for therapy saves more than a dollar in the long run...Speech Therapy, ABA, Occupational etc... .

Anonymous @ 8/4/2009 8:27:13 PM

This is the best bill I've seen yet - I really hope it passes. I too am amazed I am still sane after raising a 19 year old autistic daughter. There is nowhere to turn - they and other disabled persons are the forgotten americans.

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