By Lisa Ackerman
It was a historical day in DC. There was a hearing on autism on November 29, 2012 with Congressmen Burton and Issa leading the way to answers and help for families living with autism.
It has been over 10 years to have another hearing on autism. It is about time.
You can watch the hearing on C-SPAN:
Part 2 – http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/RatesP
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”People have mortgaged their homes and lost everything they had to help their children. Not many people know that.”
Congressman Bill Posey, Florida – Autism DC Hearings 11/29/2012
Sadly – at TACA we know hundreds of parents of who have lost their homes, savings, retirement funds and incurred enormous debt to save their kids.
If you want your opinions to be included as part of these historic efforts – here is how:
Rep. Darrell Issa has invited parents of children with autism to tell their story to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Let your child’s experience become part of the record. Submissions will be accepted for 7 days.
Members of the Congressional Hearings on Autism: Committee on Oversight & Government Reform http://oversight.house.gov/committee-members/
Http:/www.facebook.com/darrellissa
Congressman Darrell Issa
Washington DC Office
• 2347 Rayburn House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
• Phone: 202-225-3906 • Fax: 202-225-3303
I want to thank all those who helped make this hearing happen and who participated in these important efforts. A special thanks to the Safe Minds organization for all their hard work.
Sadly, I have not seen any media attention from these historical efforts. This is a huge dissapointment for the 1 in 88 families living with autism.
In conclusion, as one of the founders of TACA we know one hearing will not solve all the issues the families we serve face. We need additional hearings and support for families living with autism. It is important if you have an opinion on this issue to act now and let your voice be heard.
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 
Hi Lisa, I would like to tell my story. Is it best to just message him on Facebook? Call or write? Please take a minute to let me know Thanks for all you do concerning this issue and if there is another Hearing I would love to be there! Warmly, Kathleen SERAVALLI Sent from my iPad
Hi Kathy,
Please do two things:
1) Call.
2) Write an email or letter.
These efforts have the highest impact.
Gratefully,
Lisa
It is amazing how little coverage there is of this. MSNBC did a story focussing on an interview with Bob Wright. The story did mention words like “crisis”, “epidemic”, and “tsunami”, but they pretty much stayed away from the “V” word.
Oh, I meant to post the link:
Wright: Autism has become an epidemic
Bob Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks, talks about challenging Congress to coordinate federal activity, and face the increasing prevalence of Autism in the United States.
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/mitchell-reports/50029167#50029167
That’s the only news story I’ve come across so far. Amazing how these topics are treated in the news.
But, a great hearing!! And everyone’s sharing all over FB etc.