Temecula Autism Asperger Group

The new version of www.WhiteHouse.gov launched on inauguration day, 1/20/09, and there was only one disorder or disease specifically addressed in the administration’s agenda. It’s a doozy and a surprise. The bullet points:

1. Increased funding for research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services for autism spectrum disorders.
2. “Life-long services” for people with autism spectrum disorders, as children and as adults. Many parents struggle to find and pay for screening and treatments for their children, but there is even less coverage and capacity for adults with autism-based impairments
3. More funding for the 2006 Combating Autism Act, as well as improving state and federal autism programs.
4. Universal screening for all infants for autism disorders, as well as re-screening for all 2-year-olds. This is the biggie; children are currently screened only if parents or pediatricians voice a concern, so too many children aren’t diagnosed until they enter elementary school. The earlier treatment starts, the more effective it is, and a national screening program would help reduce the number of kids falling through the cracks. It would also be a huge undertaking, at a time when both government and privately insured health care is foundering.