Chris Smith: “IACC has a strategic plan that is updated every year, so there is no duplication of efforts. They ask several essential…”

“IACC has a strategic plan that is updated every year, so there is no duplication of efforts. They ask several essential questions, and all the research revolves around trying to find answers to those seven questions. HRSA is all about helping the geographically isolated and economically or medically vulnerable. There are 52 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities, or LEND, training programs and 10 developmental-behavioral pediatric training programs. They are reauthorized, and we have one at Rutgers right in my home State. They are doing an amazing job. There are 38 organizations that support this, and I hope all Members will support it as well. Mr. Speaker, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is ``a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent impairments in social communication and social interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, leading to difficulty in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships with others.'' As Autism Speaks notes ``it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.'' The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act--or simply the Autism CARES Act of 2019--is a comprehensive reauthorization and strengthening of America's whole-of-government Autism Spectrum Dis…”