The Combating Autism Act Enhances Research, Surveillance, And Educat= ion Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Combating Autism Act Enhances Research, Surveilla= nce, And Education Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder=

"For the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by autism, today is a day of hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will increase publ= ic awareness about this disorder and provide enhanced federal support for auti= sm research and treatment. By creating a national education program for doctors and the public about autism, this legislation will help more people recogni= ze the symptoms of autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention, which is critical for children with autism. I am proud to sign this bill into law and confident that it will serve as an important foundat= ion for our Nation's efforts to find a cure for autism."

- President George W. Bush, 12/19/06

The Act Authorizes Research Under NIH To Ad= dress The Entire Scope Of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism, sometimes called "classical autism," is the most common condition= in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (= ASDs). Other ASDs include= Asperger syndrome, Rett s= yndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS).

The Act Authorizes Regional Centers Of Excellence For Autism Spectrum Disorder Research And Epidemiology. These Cen= ters collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlates, and causes of ASD and other developmental disabilit= ies. The Act also authorizes grants to States for collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to autism.

The Act Authorizes Activities To Increase Public Awareness Of Autism, Improve The Ability Of Health Care Providers To Use Evidence-Based Interventions, And Increase Early Screening For Autism. The Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:

Prov= ide information and education on ASD and other developmental disabilities to increase public awareness of development= al milestones;
Prom= ote research into the development and validation of reliable screening too= ls for ASD and other developmental disabiliti= es and disseminate information regarding those screening tools;
Prom= ote early screening of individuals at higher risk for ASD and other developmental disabilities as early as practicable;
Incr= ease the number of individuals who are able to confirm or rule out a diagno= sis of ASD and other developmental disabilitie= s;
Incr= ease the number of individuals able to provide evidence-based interventions= for individuals diagnosed with ASD or other developmental disabilities; and
Prom= ote the use of evidence-based interventions for individuals at higher risk= for ASD and other developmental disabilities as early as practicable.

The Act Calls On The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) To Enhance Information Sharing.= The IACC provides a forum to facilitate the efficient and effective exchange of information about autism activities, programs, polici= es, and research among the Federal government, several non-profit groups, and t= he public. The Combating Autism Act requires the IACC to provide information and recommendations on ASD-= related programs, and to continue its work to develop and update annually a strateg= ic plan for ASD research.