WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a virtual ceremony yesterday, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy and the author of the Autism CARES Act that guides federal investment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and programs, was presented with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award by the Foundation and the Autism Society of America. Throughout his time in Congress, Sen. Menendez has been the leading advocate for individuals with ASD and their families. New Jersey has the highest rate of autism, with one in 34 children identified with ASD.

“I am deeply honored to accept this award and would like to thank my good friend, Linda Walder, and everyone at the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for selecting me as this year’s recipient of the Leader in Adult Autism Award,” said Sen. Menendez. “I am proud of the collaboration between my office, the foundation, and the Autism Society of America. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you in the next Congress to build upon our current work to support families and help individuals with ASD reach their full potential.”
“Working with all of you on important legislation, such as Autism CARES, has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I want every child and adult with ASD, here in New Jersey and across the country, to know that they have an ally, a champion and an advocate in the United States Congress and you will always have my utmost support,” added Sen. Menendez.

 

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Since its inception in 2016, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is presented annually by the Autism Society of America to recognize inspirational leaders and champions who by virtue of their efforts and example improve the lives of individuals diagnosed with ASD, not only as children but throughout their adult lives.

“Senator Menendez’s tireless leadership and vigorous support of the Autism community makes him unquestionably a most worthy recipient of this honor,” said Linda Walder, Founder and Executive Director of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. “The Senator has been a tireless advocate for people with Autism notably as the lead sponsor of the original Autism CARES Act in 2006 and every reauthorization thereafter. One of the key aspects of this legislation is to provide much needed funding that addresses the needs of the growing population of adults living with Autism, which has been the focal point of our mission since our inception in 2002.”

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, founded in 2002, is named in memory of Walder’s son, Danny Fiddle who lived with ASD until he passed away at the age of nine. The Foundation’s programs, resources and public policy awareness initiatives center on the needs of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with ASD and their families.

“We are so honored to be able to present this prestigious award to Senator Menendez,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO, Autism Society of America. “Senator Menendez has been a tremendous advocate for people with autism. We look forward to our continued work together in the new Congress.”

Last year, Sen. Menendez’s Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (Autism CARES) Act of 2019 was passed and signed into law. The bipartisan bill, which builds upon the 2014 Menendez-authored law, shapes federal autism policy and investment in research, early detection, and research to develop new treatments and therapies for those with ASD and other developmental disabilities. The 2019 law also considers the needs of individuals with ASD well into adulthood and “across [their] lifetime.” The Senator was also one of the original authors of the Autism CARES Act of 2006.

 

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