Tom Harkin

So, something like a tele-health thing could be instructive in that, where you could actually talk to someone and say, don't do this, or do this?

I wasn't prepared to have you here, either.

Now, this is where I'm going to focus on Dr. Favell. I am so intrigued by what you're doing.

As I understand it, in the beginning you do have face-to-face involvement with the families, is that correct?

It is my hope that this new law proves to be a significant step toward a better understanding of how to prevent autism.

I'm hoping we can find some innovative ways to expand the spectrum of services for children who are going to need much more.

I think we made some dramatic progress, and I want to thank my colleague from Iowa and Senator Specter from Pennsylvania for all their leadership in that regard.

I really believe that that is something that we overlook. Research is the first place to turn, but beyond that, it's support for these families with children in this circumstance.

Did you say $40 million?

I think, when my kids were born we had a couple, maybe three shots, but we didn't have this long list.

They're really concerned about this. About all of those vaccinations in the early ages.

I was shocked when my daughter and her husband showed me the schedule of vaccinations for my first grandchild in the first 2 years of his life. I was shocked.

I still need to know, and if you don't have it right now, if you'd provide it for the record, about how much of that $108 million goes in for environmental.

The $40 million will be spent each year for 4 years.

The one thing I just won't do--even though I have friends who have--is get divorced just to qualify for additional benefits.

I know you will do the right thing.

Now the burden falls on you, on this subcommittee, to turn Congress' promise on autism into reality.

We urge you to make funding the implementation of the CAA an equally bipartisan and universally supported effort.

Well, thank you very much, as I said in my opening statement, I hear two pleas from families with autistic children.

I ask all those in a position of influence, including members of this distinguished committee, to support efforts to find innovative solutions to service delivery.

Thank you, Senator Specter.

We've got to get the families some help. People are looking to us for answers and some help.

It's tough on parents who would do anything to help their children at home, while at the same time, fighting to find the supportive services that their children so badly need.

Now--not 10 years from now, they need help right now--in finding the best possible support for their children.

I have been told that some of those grants actually go out to show employers how they can employ people with disabilities by making modest, small accommodations that do not cost a lot of money.