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STATE OF CONNECTICUT
EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
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M. Jodi Rell
Governor |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2009
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Contact:
860-524-7313
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Governor Rell: Nearly $60 Million in Stimulus Grants
Available To Expand Autism Research
Connecticut Already on Leading Edge
With Pilot Programs, Alternative Learning Centers
Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that $57 million in competitive grants are available to expand research and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, which affect an estimated one in 150 children nationally.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Connecticut to build on our commitment to improve the lives of those children and families living with autism,” Governor Rell said, noting April is Autism Awareness Month in Connecticut. “Connecticut is home to some of the leading autism experts in the nation and we have dedicated a great many resources to building a comprehensive network of developmental programs, community-based services and a statewide education plan.”
The $57 million is available through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The NIH reports it is the largest funding opportunity ever for research into the complex disorder. It will be used to help fund goals for autism outlined by a federal panel to help the U.S. Health and Human Services establish priorities for autism research.
“I strongly encourage any and all eligible parties to apply for these grants,” the Governor said. “The research would solidly complement the important work already being done in Connecticut.”
Eligible recipients include public and private universities, state agencies, independent school districts and non-profit organizations. The Governor said the NIH intends to award between 40 to 50 research grants. Deadline for applications is May 12.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) cover a wide range of symptoms caused by unusual brain development. Symptoms include difficulty with social skills, speech and communication skills.
“We all know someone, either directly or indirectly, whose lives are affected by autism. One thing we have learned from research is the earlier we can detect autism, the better chance for effective treatment,” Governor Rell said.
Governor Rell signed several bills into law in 2008 that advance the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including one that expanded a pilot program that helps adults with ASD live independently through streamlined case management services. Another bill directed the Commissioners of Education, Higher Education and Developmental Services to create a statewide education plan for children with autism. A third law requires health insurers to cover physical, speech and occupational therapies for ASD if their policies cover the same treatment for other disorders.
For more information on the autism research grants, other funding opportunities and the ARRA in Connecticut, the state’s official stimulus Web site at: www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.
(Autism Awareness Month proclamation attached)
WHEREAS, Autism is a lifelong developmental disability, typically appearing during the first three years of life resulting in significant impairment of an individual’s ability to communicate, understand social interactions and develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal, nonverbal and reciprocal communication; and
WHEREAS, Autism is the result of a neurological disorder affecting the functioning of the brain, but few members of the general public understand this complex syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in every 150 individuals; and
WHEREAS, Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls and does not know any racial, ethnic or social boundaries nor do family income, lifestyle and educational levels affect the chance of Autism’s occurrence; and
WHEREAS, although a cure for Autism has not been found, persons with Autism can be helped to reach their greatest potential, and accurate, early diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education and intervention throughout one’s life span are vital to the future growth and development of the individual; and
WHEREAS, parent advocacy groups such as the Autism Society of Connecticut, the statewide affiliate of the Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, and the Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center, have dedicated years of service in their ongoing efforts to advocate for the rights, humane treatment, and appropriate education of all persons with Autism; and
WHEREAS, these groups remain committed to their cause and to educating families, professionals, and the general public to better understand this lifelong disability, and to creating the necessary resources and support services to enable persons with Autism to lead productive satisfying and successful lives; and
WHEREAS, Autism is a complex disability that requires increased research to find a cure one day and until such cure is found, greater recognition and understanding to ensure that individuals with Autism living in Connecticut and across the United States are accurately diagnosed and provided with appropriate services and supports throughout their lives; now
THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially proclaim the month of April 2009, as
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
in the State of Connecticut.
