Hillary Clinton outlines autism proposal, calls for nationwide early screening initiative
Source: ~ Anne Gearan and Lenny Bernstein, Washington Post
January 5 at 8:30 AM
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Hillary Clinton released details of a new proposal Tuesday to increase early screening, treatment and funding for autism research, and focus greater attention on services for the estimated more than 3 million people with some form of the disability.
The proposal is one of several in recent weeks -- including a plan to dramatically increase funding for Alzheimer's research -- that have been focused on health issues. Like Alzheimer's disease, autism can be a costly, complex diagnosis that affects families struggling to provide care and navigate insurance, social services and other systems.
Autism, which has large and sometimes competing advocacy groups, is increasingly also a political issue, as advocates ask candidates to address controversies over the cause and prevalence of autism and its practical consequences in education, social services and the workplace. Some people contend that there is a link between autism and childhood vaccinations, but that possibility has been thoroughly debunked by scientific research.
"It's so hard," Clinton said of the "emotional, physical, and financial burden" of caring for those with Alzheimer's or autism. "I want to help families do the work they are already doing, but is so difficult."
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/05/hillary-clinton-outlines-autism-proposal-calling-for-nationwide-early-screening-initiative/
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Seriously, I am proud to see how she is rolling out her plans and policies.
