ASA-Net

The Autism Society of America's e-Newsletter

July 15, 2004

ASA’s National Conference Attracts Largest Group in History

On July 8, 2004, more than 1,700 individuals gathered in Seattle, WA, to attend the nation's largest conference on autism spectrum disorders. The conference, which was hosted by ASA and carried the theme “Soaring to New Heights,” drew families, educators, physicians and individuals with autism from across the country.

More than 100 presenters spoke on a myriad of topics, ranging from the latest in autism research to teaching techniques to financial planning for families affected by autism. The conference also included four highly-respected keynote speakers, special panel presentations by individuals with autism and experts in the field, forums for networking, and special events. In addition, attendees had access to a sold-out exhibit hall that included vendors specializing in products and services specific to autism and other developmental disabilities. 

For an overview of this year's activities, please click here, or go to the ASA Web site and click on "News."

House Funding Panel Increases Spending on Federal Autism Programs

Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee approved increased funding for autism-related research and surveillance programs at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and directed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to devote sufficient resources to the autism research agenda for fiscal year 2005. 

The Committee provided over $2 million in increased funding for CDC’s surveillance initiative, the ADDM (Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network) and CADDRE (Centers for Excellence for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology) centers, and the Autism Awareness and Education Campaign.  This brings the total funding for autism activities at the CDC to $18 million.  ASA’s advocacy efforts played an integral role in securing an increased federal commitment to autism research, surveillance, and education.

ASA Leaders Speak At Congressional Autism Caucus Briefing

On June 17, 2004, Congressmen Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA), co-chairmen of the Congressional Coalition on Autism Research and Education (CARE), also known as the Autism Caucus, sponsored a briefing for members of the caucus to discuss services for adults living with autism. Experts provided an overview of existing programs that assist adults with autism in accessing postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, housing and community supports and services.  The briefing emphasized the unique needs of people with autism, especially as they transition from the school setting to adulthood.  

Expert panelists included: David Holmes, Ph.D., Chair of ASA's Panel of Professional Advisors, member of ASA's Board of Directors, and Executive Director of Eden Services; and Stephen Shore, member of ASA's Board of Directors and an individual diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder who is currently completing his doctoral degree in special education. Other panelists included Bob Titus, Board Member and former President of the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services, and Julie Weiss, Director of Adult Services at the New England Center for Children. 

In addition to educating Members of Congress and staff about the needs of adults with autism, the briefing was used to gather ideas and input for potential legislative action focused on improving services for adults with autism.  ASA worked closely with the CARE co-chairmen and their staff to organize and support the briefing, and we will continue to work with Congress to develop and advance this critical legislation. 

New York Chapter Gets Approval For First Autism License Plate

In an exciting first, New York state is now accepting requests for custom-ordered license plates with the autism awareness ribbon and ASA's Web site address. A bill - A09542 - to create the new plates, which will raise awareness of autism and funds for autism research, was introduced in the state legislature in January and passed the Senate in late June.

The new license plates are the result of the tireless efforts of Mary Beth Palo, an active member of ASA's Nassau/Suffolk Chapter. In addition to driving the project forward in the state of New York, Palo worked with staff at the ASA national office to coordinate the use of ASA's name, which surrounds the autism ribbon, and Web site address on the plates.

Specifically, the bill "authorizes the issuance of distinctive license plates for autism awareness" and "creates the autism awareness and research fund." According to the bill, the funds raised through the program "shall be expended only for autism awareness and research projects approved by the Department of Health in New York state." In addition, the bill defines 'autism research projects' as "scientific research into the causes and/or treatment of autism" and 'autism awareness projects' as any project aimed toward educating the public about autism approved by the Department of Health."

For a standard plate with a number assigned by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, the cost is $43 ($25 above the basic fee for plates), and for a personalized plate, the cost is $68.

To access the order form for the license plates (which is in PDF format), click here, or go to the Nassau/Suffolk County Chapter Web site (www.nsasa.org) and click on the appropriate link. To access the bill text, click here, or go to the chapter's Web site and link to it from there.

"Refrigerator Mothers" Documentary To Re-Air July 27 On PBS

The award-winning documentary film "Refrigerator Mothers" is set to air again on PBS on July 27, 2004. The film, which was developed by J.J. Hanley, the parent of a child with autism, "explores the legacy of blame, guilt and self-doubt suffered by a generation of mothers," who during the 1950s were blamed for their children's autism and labeled "refrigerator mothers."

The captivating documentary tells the story the story of autism from the early years to the present time and includes archival footage from old training films, interviews with ASA leaders, such as founder Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., and interviews with several parents of children who attended the school created by Bruno Bettleheim, the self-proclaimed psychoanalyst who popularized the "mother blame" theory.

Since it first aired in 2002, "Refrigerator Mothers" has won numerous awards, including Best Documentary at the 2002 Sedona International Film Festival, Best of Show at the 2002 Indiana Film Festival, Grand Jury Prize at the 2002 Florida Film Festival, and ASA's Media Award in 2003.

"Refrigerator Mothers" was directed and produced by David Simpson, Gordon Quinn, and J.J. Hanley, and funded and supported by a variety of organizations, including the Independent Television Service (ITVS), the National Endowment for the Arts, Kartemquin Films, among others. It is set to be re-broadcast on July 27 at 10pm (EST) on PBS; however, check your local listings for exact times.

For more information about "Refrigerator Mothers," including information about participating in discussion groups and information on how to find your local PBS station, click here, or go to www.pbs.org/pov/pov2002/refrigeratormothers/.

ASA-Net is created by the Autism Society of America.  Articles may be reprinted and re-circulated only with permission.  For questions regarding ASA-Net, send an e-mail to rwisniewski@.... 

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For more information about the Autism Society of America, please visit our Web site.

Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue Suite 300 
Bethesda, MD 20814-3067
1.800.3AUTISM
www.autism-society.org