Smith Marks Autism Awareness Month at New Brunswick Children's Hospital

Press Release

The ten year anniversary of the creation of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities was celebrated today by leaders in the fight against autism, an illness that impacts one of every 110 children in America and an estimated one in 94 in New Jersey. Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chair the Congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education (CARE), was a guest speaker at the event today at PSE&G Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick.

"The cost of caring for those with autism is staggering," Smith said. "Thankfully, New Jersey has been a national leader in autism services and research. We have some of the top schools in the nation and we have some of the most experienced and competent professionals in the field of autism in our non-profit organizations, in our medical institutions, and in our universities."

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

"We must remain committed until we see the research come to fruition and until we are providing the services so that all families affected by an ASD or other developmental disability can live with dignity and a reasonable level of comfort," Smith said.

Source