New Brunswick, NJ- Today, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, a staunch advocate for those with Autism and their families, was joined by U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Dr. Sandra Harris, Founder and Executive Director of the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, advocates, and parents, to commemorate the beginning of Autism Awareness Month.

The event took place at the Rutgers Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center on Gibbons Circle, where Rutgers University President Richard McCormick also welcomed valued advocacy organization representatives Peter Bell, Executive Vice President for Programs and Services for Autism Speaks, Linda Meyer, Executive Director of Autism New Jersey, and Linda Fiddle, Founder and Executive Director of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.

Participants highlighted the need for continued awareness and sensitivity toward persons with Autism and their families, enhanced educational opportunities such as Applied Behavior Analysis, adult services, research, and funding.

"We're here today on the first day of Autism Awareness Month because there's nothing more important than the health, well-being, and hope for families who live with autism every day," said Senator Menendez. "I've heard from so many parents who have shared their heart-wrenching struggles -- not only with the disease -- but with the complexities of a health care system that often leaves them feeling lost. It's time we do more to help these families and that's exactly what I'm committed to doing."
Senator Menendez, a member of the Senate Finance Committee gained inclusion of over a dozen of his amendments to reduce costs and protect families, including an amendment that requires health insurance plans in the state-based insurance exchanges to cover behavioral health treatments as part of the minimum benefits standard. Unless behavioral health treatment is explicitly included as a covered benefit, people with autism are not likely to receive comprehensive health care.

Autism is a complex, typically lifelong, developmental brain disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate with others and is associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors. Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. New Jersey has the third highest rate of autism in the country at an astounding one in every 94 children.

"The prevalence of autism in this country has increased significantly in the past 10 years, but providers are still unaware of the best methods to treat the disorder," said Congressman Pallone, Chairman of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "It is my hope that the recent passage of health care reform which significantly improves and protects coverage for behavioral health will help people with Autism to lead healthier lives as well as raise awareness."

"A way to celebrate April as Autism Awareness Month is by reflecting on how far we have come in the past year and where we are going in the coming year," said Dr. Sandra Harris. "The Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center has been using the principles of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) to serve people with autism spectrum disorders since 1972. We have seen major progress over the years in these treatment methods and understanding of the biology of autism spectrum disorders. We are also delighted by legislative action at the state and national level which will help make the methods of Applied Behavior Analysis more accessible to individuals with autism spectrum disorders."

"Autism Speaks would like to thank Senator Menendez for his tremendous effort to include behavioral health treatment as part of the essential health benefits package required for certain health plans in the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010," said Peter Bell, Executive Vice President of Programs and Services. "Once again, the Senator has demonstrated his strong commitment to improving the lives of families living with autism."

"While we must all become more aware of the unique needs challenges faced by those touched by autism, we must also respond with policies and supports that address those challenges," said Linda S. Meyer, Executive Director, Autism New Jersey. "Families need access to evidence-based treatments based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis, and Senator Menendez responded by ensuring that it was an essential health benefit in the reform bill. We applaud him for his extraordinary work and continued commitment to families impacted by autism."

"Senator Menendez has championed the recognition that Applied Behavior Analysis and other behavioral treatments are vital for individuals challenged by Autism and that when these treatments are initiated in childhood adult outcomes are greatly improved," said Linda Walder Fiddle, Executive Director of the Daniel J. Fiddle Foundation. "In fact, many adults affected by Autism require behavioral treatments throughout their lives to help them function and participate in community life, and the expansion of healthcare coverage for behavioral health treatments is essential to their success and well-being."

Senator Menendez reintroduced Helping Hands for Autism in the 111th Congress, legislation that will increase housing, awareness, and navigation demonstration services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Senator Menendez is also lead cosponsor on Senator Durbin's The Autism Treatment Acceleration Act, that requires health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism, and authorizes federal funding for a wide range of service, treatment, support, and research initiatives; and cosigned a letter by Senator Lautenberg asking for $10 million for autism research in the FY 2011 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

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