Political Quotes

“Today, I will introduce legislation that will build on current scientific advances in understanding autism and will promote additional research in this promising field. I introduced a very similar bill last year and am greatly encouraged by the progress in this field. In the last 12 months, we've seen an increase in the number of researchers interested in this field, additional funding for autism research and greater public awareness about this disability. It is my hope that we can continue this momentum and pass meaningful legislation this year. Many think autism is rare. In fact, it is the third most prevalent childhood disability, affecting an estimated four hundred thousand Americans and their families. It is also a condition that doctors and scientists believe can be cured. It is not something that we simply must accept. When people think of autism they might remember the character played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie 'Rainman.' Yet autism has many faces; it affects people from every background, social and ethnic category. Children with autism may be profoundly retarded and may never learn to speak, while others may be extremely hyperactive and bright. Some may have extraordinary talents, such as an exceptional memory or skill in mathematics. However, all share the common traits of difficulty with communication and social interaction. And for reasons we do not yet understand, eighty percent of those with autism are males.”