Lautenberg Holds Roundtable With New Jersey Autism Experts

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) hosted a roundtable with academic and medical experts to discuss autism research and services in New Jersey. The roundtable, which focused on federal funding for research, access to public education, and New Jersey's autism diagnosis rate, also marked April's National Autism Awareness Month.

Last week, a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that New Jersey children are diagnosed with autism at nearly twice the national rate. According to the report, one in 49 New Jersey children are diagnosed, compared with one in 88 nationally, ranking New Jersey second among the states that were studied.

"We must do more to combat New Jersey'salarming rate of autism diagnoses," said Senator Lautenberg, "I will continue working with organizations in New Jersey to ensure that our children and families are receiving the best care and services available."

"Georgian Court University very much appreciates Senator Lautenberg's leadership on this issue and his continued fight for more resources for the autism community," said Sister Rosemary Jeffries, President of Georgian Court University. "We stand with the Senator to ensure that New Jersey provides the highest quality services for our families dealing with autism."

"Individuals and families touched by the burden and scourge of Autism Spectrum Disorders should be encouraged by Senator Lautenberg's strong position and advocacy for expanding accessibility to clinical and educational services and improving their quality of life," said Mark Mintz, M.D, President and CEO of The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health. "I, for one, appreciate the Senator's support of families and professionals in the face of this growing epidemic and health care crisis."

Throughout his Senate career, Senator Lautenberg has been a leader for autism and disability issues. Each year, Lautenberg leads a Senate letter supporting autism research at the Department of Defense. He cosponsored the "Combating Autism Reauthorization Act," which President Obama signed into law in September 2011. Lautenberg is also a cosponsor the IDEA Full-funding act, which would significantly increase federal funding for educating children with autism and other disabilities.

Today's roundtable included representatives from Caldwell College, Georgian Court University, the Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health, the New Jersey Center for Autism, Autism Family Services of New Jersey, and Family Support Center of New Jersey.

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