In October 2011, American President Obama signed legislation renewing the landmark Combating Autism Act for another three years, assuring continued federal support for critical autism research, services and treatment. Autism Speaks welcomed the passing of the Combating Autism Reauthorisation Act (CARA) as sending a message of hope to the millions of families and individuals affected by autism.
The new law renews the American government’s commitment to autism research, services and treatment at current levels, authorising $693 million over the next three years. The original Act provided nearly $945 million over five years. Since its passage in 2006, significant advances have been made in determining potential causes for autism as well as promising new early intervention behaviour treatments. By signing CARA into law, President Obama has ensured the American government’s commitment to autism so that crucial research can continue unimpeded for the next three years.
We can only hope that the Irish government takes note of this development. Some of the things we ask for will not cost the State any money, and should be implemented immediately, including:
- Insist that autism is fully recognised as a specific disability by HSE
- Include autism as a specific disability in the next census
- Require health insurance policies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, something that is already happening in most American states.
Our government needs to recognise the cost in both human and financial terms of not addressing the enormous challenge that autism presents to our society. If we don't fully recognise autism, and count its incidence, then it is hardly surprising that Government will delay allocating funds to autism research, services and treatment.
With an Irish prevalence study about to report an incidence of almost 1 in 100, there are thousands of Irish families effected by autism. We need to contact the policy-makers and visit our local TD's and demand that autism is on their agenda.