Autism

SCHAER GIVEN DISTINCTION OF “CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN” BY AMERIGROUP

Foundation provides grant funding to Three Groups Advocating for Better Lives for Those with Disabilities

(LYNDHURST) -- Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer (D-Passaic) yesterday was selected as the 2007 Champion for Children at a ceremony at Volunteer Stadium in Lyndhurst for his advocacy in the New Jersey General Assembly on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The award is given each year by the AMERIGROUP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AMERIGROUP Corporation, a managed healthcare company providing healthcare coverage through the NJ FamilyCare program.

MCKEON BILL CREATING STATE AUTISM REGISTRY
SIGNED INTO LAW

Measure Would Create Centralized System to Assist State
In Helping Children & Adults with Autism
 
(WEST WINDSOR) - The Governor today signed into law legislation Assemblyman John F. McKeon sponsored to create a statewide centralized autism registry to identify the scope of autism in New Jersey so the state can provide better services and care for children and adults with autism and their families.

ROBERTS RESPONSE TO RISING AUTISM RATES BECOMES LAW

Key Elements from Sweeping Package of Bills Will Improve Detection, Treatment, Public Awareness of Autism in New Jersey

(WEST WINDSOR) - A series of legislative measures that Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. steered through the Legislature in an effort to improve the detection, treatment and awareness of autism in New Jersey was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

KARCHER AUTISM BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

New Laws Significantly Improve Services For Individuals With Autism  

            WEST WINDSOR –Six autism related bills sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher, a leading advocate for disability awareness issues, were signed into law today. 

            “A diagnosis of autism or developmental disability presents real challenges for parents and caregivers,” said Karcher.  “While the medical community seeks to find answers to the causes of autism and developmental disability, states have an obligation to promote programs which help those living with the disability.  These new lifesaving laws will help families deal with the hardships of caring for individuals with autism.”

TRENTON – A bill package sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner, designed to increase and improve available resources for families and individuals living with Autism was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.

WEINBERG/CONIGLIO AUTISM BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW 

            WEST WINDSOR – A bill package sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Joseph Coniglio, designed to increase and improve available resources for families and individuals living with autism, was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.  The bills were signed at the Eden Institute, a non-profit organization which provides educational and vocational services to adults and children living with autism.

Autism is a neurological developmental disability that impacts brain development in the areas of communication skills, social interaction and cognitive function.  People living with autism often struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction.

            “According to federal statistics, New Jersey has the highest number of autism cases in the nation,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen.  “We are still learning about the autism spectrum disorders, but while we are learning, we must be able to provide much-needed assistance to families living with autism.  As the number of residents living with autism increases, we must have the resources in place to provide them with support programs as we work to find ways of decreasing autism rates in New Jersey and around the world.”

            “The number of autism cases is increasing here in New Jersey, and around the world,” said Senator Coniglio, D-Bergen.  “Statistics say that one child in 94 will be born with autism, and we must be prepared to provide their families with the support and resources they need.”

BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG TEACHERS HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

Measure Would Require Instruction for New, Current Teachers
In Autism Awareness & Teaching Methods Gets Final Legislative Approval

(TRENTON) -  The Assembly gave final approval of legislation Assembly members Jim Whelan, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Joan Voss are sponsoring to promote autism awareness in the state's education community.  The Senate approved the measure earlier in the day.

MCKEON BILL TO CREATE AUTISM REGISTRY BILL HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

Measure Would Create Centralized System to Assist State in Helping Children & Adults with Autism
 
(TRENTON) -   The Senate and Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John F. McKeon that would create a statewide centralized autism registry to identify the scope of autism in New Jersey so the state can provide better services and care for children and adults with autism and their families.

ROBERTS LAUDS SENATE PASSAGE
OF LANDMARK AUTISM AWARENESS PACKAGE
Five Measures Now Head to Governor

(TRENTON) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. today applauded the Senate's passage of five measures he championed to improve the detection, treatment and awareness of autism in New Jersey.