Combating Autism Reauthorization Act Action Alert

An Autism Speaks action alert on CARA:

Last Thursday, The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA) of 2011 was introduced in both the Senate and the House. Senators Robert Menendez (NJ) and Mike Enzi (WY) introduced S. 1094 and Congressmen Chris Smith (NJ) and Mike Doyle (PA) introduced H.R. 2005. This newly introduced legislation will reauthorize the Combating Autism Act (CAA) of 2006. Key components in the original landmark legislation will expire on September 30, threatening further federal support for critical research, services and treatment for autism spectrum disorders unless this vital legislation is enacted. The Senators and Congressmember from your state have not signed on to cosponsor this important legislation yet. They need to hear from you! Here is How YOU Can Help: 1) CALL BOTH OF YOUR SENATORS AND ASK THEM TO COSPONSOR SENATE BILL 1094 TODAY! CALL: Sen. Dianne Feinstein Phone: (202) 224-3841 CALL: Sen. Barbara Boxer Phone: (202) 224-3553 2) CALL YOUR CONGRESSMEMBER AND ASK THEM TO COSPONSOR HOUSE BILL 2005 NOW! CALL: Rep. David Dreier Phone: (202) 225-2305 If you aren't sure of what to say, say this: "Hi. My name is (NAME) and I live at (ADDRESS). I am calling today to ask you to sign on and cosponsor (S.1094 or H.R.2005) - the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act. This bill extends legislation enacted in 2006. This is important to me because (state one sentence why this is important to you and your family.) Thank you so much." **NOTE: If you don't see your Senators' or Congressmember's name and number listed above, please go here to find contact information. 2) AFTER YOU MAKE YOUR CALLS, PLEASE SEND A FOLLOW UP EMAIL HERE. Personal calls are VERY important. Make those before you send the emails. We get you started but remember to take a minute to personalize your message. 3) ASK THREE PEOPLE YOU KNOW TO HELP YOU DO THIS! Think outside the autism box and ask your neighbors, coworkers, family members (aunts/uncles/grandparents) to get involved and help pass this important legislation. They can sign up at Autism Votes here. Working together we can make sure that the foundation that was established in 2006 has an opportunity to expand so that critical research for autism can continue. Thank you so much for taking action! Stay tuned! Government Relations Team Autism Votes An Initiative of Autism Speaks

At the Santa Monica Dispatch, Peggy Clifford reinforces the point.

At Care2, however, Kristina Chew expresses reservations:

It might seem best just to give the go-ahead to the CARA. Groups including the Autism Science Foundation, Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America -- many overseen by parents of autistic children -- have issued their strong support. These days, one hears regular reports about the "crisis" of autism, about over-burdened and under-funded school districts and families in distress in the face of reported rising numbers in the autism rate and no sure answers about the causes of autism, not to mention a great deal of confusion about how best to address the educational, therapeutic and medical needs of autistic individuals.

However, a closer look at the CAA, and of the CARA, reveals that these bills are lacking in two areas which are essential to address. The CARA does not make provisions for services and also has little to say about adults on the autism spectrum.