March 28, 2007

CONTACT: MARTIN INDARS
1-717-787-5709 or 1-484-883-1628

State Senator Andy Dinniman announced Thursday that he has signed on as a member of the Joint House and Senate Autism Caucus.

“Autism affects families of all backgrounds and incomes, so it’s important that we raise awareness about this disorder,” Dinniman said. “The caucus will provide information and support for autism awareness, research and treatment throughout the state.”

The Senate this week also unanimously approved a resolution designating the month of April as Autism Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

Senator Dinniman plans to attend several events throughout the district to raise autism awareness.

He will speak at a seminar on treating children with autism set for Saturday, March 31, at Reeceville Elementary School. The seminar is sponsored by Autism Childcare Connection, a local nonprofit childcare center.

In addition, Senator Dinniman plans to participate in the Autism Alliance Second Annual Conference slated for April 10, 11 and 12 at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

Autism is a brain disorder that often interferes with a person’s ability to communicate with and relate to others. Symptoms range from mild to severe.

The symptoms usually appear during the first two or three years of life and is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.

The cause of this brain disorder is still unknown.

“Scientists are still learning about this mysterious brain disorder; meanwhile, the number of children who are diagnosed is skyrocketing,” Dinniman said. “Clearly, autism is pervasive in our society, and that’s why it’s imperative that we raise awareness and encourage further research.”

One in every 150 children nationwide has some form of autism, according to the latest research from the Centers for Disease Control.

In Pennsylvania alone, one in 190 children have some form of autism, and 75,000 people across the state have some form of the brain disorder.

Researchers have found that if children with autism get treatments by age 3, their impairments can be lessened.

The state is responding to this growing issue. The Department of Public Welfare has created a Bureau of Autism Services to provide expertise and support for all state agencies that serve Pennsylvanians with autism.

For more information about the department or services available to Pennsylvanians with autism, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.

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