U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA)—Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Coalition on Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.)—introduced sweeping legislation to improve and expand services for families of autistic individuals, which was announced today at a Capitol Hill press conference with actor-autism advocate Bradley Whitford.

    The Doyle-Smith legislation, the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA), authorizes $350 million worth of additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism. 

    “We have an epidemic on our hands and we need to immediately and aggressively address it on every front. This bill builds on previous federal efforts to aid those afflicted with autism through a full-court press to confront the challenges of caring for autistic children and individuals,” Smith said at today’s press conference.

    “The legislation we introduced today—the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act—will show families that we are there for them from the first diagnosis through adulthood, marking a turning point in the way the federal government addresses autism,” Smith added.

    Actor Bradley Whitford of West Wing fame called on Congress to immediately consider the Doyle-Smith bill at today’s event on Capitol Hill.

    “When many parents get the news that their child has been diagnosed with autism, they're told 'Goodbye and good luck.' This is a cruel and heartless message to hear, and it is delivered to thousands and thousands of families each year who need, more than anything, support and information during a critical time,” said Whitford. “Many of these families are going broke trying to provide their children with the services that they need, and many individuals with autism will need lifelong care. This legislation promises to change that message from 'Goodbye and good luck' to 'Hello, we're here to help you.'”

    The Doyle-Smith bill has bipartisan support and the overwhelming support of the autism community, including Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America (ASA).

    “You hear a lot about the lack of bipartisanship in Washington DC. In the fight against autism, nothing could be further than the truth. Members on both sides of the aisle are united and committed to providing care and services for autistic children and their families,” Smith stated at today’s press conference. 

    Among its provisions, the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) would create a task force to evaluate currently available therapies and services and recommend ways to expand access to effective treatments and services across the nation; increase support for institutions that train professionals who treat or serve individuals with autism; establish grant programs to enable states to provide appropriate services to adults with autism; increase access to services following diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and improves protection and advocacy services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

    “People across the country face some difficult challenges in caring for family members with autism spectrum disorders,” Doyle said at today’s press conference. “The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act would help many of them by improving and expanding the federally funded services that are available.”

    The Doyle-Smith legislation addresses the effects of autism on those afflicted and their families over their entire lifespan, an approach welcomed by autism advocacy groups nationwide.

    “This bill specifically addresses the most critically important issue to the autism community today – obtaining appropriate services across the lifespan,” said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of ASA. “Our families and individuals with autism are pleased that their voices have been heard, and encourage their colleagues in the U.S. House to support this legislation.”

    “Currently, there are no means to prevent autism, no fully effective evidence-based treatments, except Applied Behavior Analysis, and no cure,” said Jon Shestack, Autism Speaks Executive Committee member and founder of Cure Autism Now. “It is our fervent hope that the EPIAA will change that. We know that people with autism continue to learn across their whole lifespan. It is never too late. We need to act now to ensure that all people with autism can reach their potential and become accomplished, contributing members of their communities.”

    Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data showing that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. is an alarming 1 child in every 150 children. That same study indicates that 1 in every 94 children in New Jersey has a form of autism, and 1 in every 60 boys in New Jersey suffers from an ASD.

    “While the numbers are profound, it is the reality of the lives behind the numbers which call for our compassion, dedication and legislative action. The physical, emotional and financial impacts of autism on individuals, families and society are staggering,” said Smith, who authored the provision in Title I of the Children’s Health Act (PL 106-310) which created the Centers of Excellence in Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology which helped carry out the landmark study. “Autism can overwhelm families, as their lives become consumed with considerable challenges of identifying appropriate treatments, schooling and other support systems for their autistic child—and eventually for an autistic adult. Our goal with this legislation is to ease their worries and provide options to meet their needs.”