Press Release
Smith, Doyle Organize Autism Event with Sesame StreetSesame Street Briefs Congress on Early Intervention for Children with AutismSesame Workshop introduces ‘Julia,’ new muppet with autism, to Capitol HillA special briefing Tuesday organized by the bipartisan co-chairs of Coalition for Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) focused on Sesame Workshop’s new autism initiative—including a new muppet, Julia, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—as well as on strategies for early detection and intervention, said Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04). “Children with autism who receive early intervention and treatments following an ASD diagnosis demonstrate significant improvement in their long-term development,” said caucus co-chairman Smith (R-NJ) who helped arrange the event. “We also need to continue to focus on raising awareness about autism as an effective means to prevent the recent tragedies we have seen involving bullying of autistic youth and young adults.” The briefing, entitled “Best Practices for Early Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” examined the available resources that help address daily challenges faced by children with ASD and their families. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The CDC has reported intervention has the greatest potential to benefit children with autism if it begins before three years of age, yet 80 percent of children who need early intervention services are missed. The guests at the briefing were Dr. Jeanette Betancourt Ed.D., Senior Vice President for U.S. Social Impact at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, and Dr. Jennifer Stapel-Wax, Psy.D., Associate Professor at Emory University School of Medicine and Director of Infant and Toddler Clinical Research Operations at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta. Dr. Stapel-Wax spoke about Marcus Autism Center’s work with eye tracking technology, which can predict whether a child will have autism at six months of age. “Children with autism spend too much time looking at objects and not as much time looking at faces,” she explained to Members of Congress and staff after a video demonstration. Smith praised Marcus Autism Center for their efforts: “The science demonstrates that the earlier intervention begins, the better the outcomes for children on the spectrum. If we can continue to make progress in lowering the age of diagnosis, we can ensure more children receive the early intervention and treatment that will improve their quality of life. Hopefully the best practices learned today will translate into best practices for everybody,” Smith said. Dr. Betancourt presented Sesame Workshop’s new initiative, “See Amazing for All Children,” which is a campaign to educate families, teachers, and caregivers about autism and encourage inclusion and acceptance. “We believe that for there truly to be inclusion there must be understanding from the earliest stages,” Dr. Betancourt said. Smith co-chairs the autism caucus with Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA). “This initiative includes the development of more autism-friendly programming, web-based content, and apps for mobile devices along with Julia, the first autistic muppet,” Rep. Doyle said. “It’s great that autistic children will be able to see someone like them onscreen. Not only will Sesame Street be telling autistic kids that they are a valuable part of our community; it will also be bringing that message to other kids and teaching them the best ways to be more inclusive and help autistic children overcome some of the obstacles they may face.” “The sensitivity taught through Sesame Workshop’s initiative will not only reach the next generation of kids, but also teach their parents,” Rep. Smith said. “Sesame Street and Autism is a powerful example of the unique role Sesame Street can play in addressing real world issues impacting children, helping all kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder,” said Sherrie Westin, Executive Vice President, Global Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop. “The response to Julia and this initiative has been overwhelming and we were thrilled to be invited by Representatives Doyle and Smith to share these critical resources with Congress.” Rep. Smith is currently leading a multi-member letter along with Rep. Doyle asking the Administration to include funding in its next budget for a multi-agency initiative to get more children tested for autism. Smith’s most recent autism legislation, the 2014 Autism CARES Act (PL 113-157), authorizes $1.3 billion in autism research over five years, including $22 million for the Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program; $48 million for Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention, and; $190 million for hundreds of Research Grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and for the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Smith’s law also tasks federal agencies with undertaking a comprehensive review of current federal policies and programs impacting students with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. Smith has also authored the 2011 Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, (Public Law 112-32), which is built on by the Autism CARES Act (PL 113-157). ### |