The autism community is very fortunate that legislation supporting continuation of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Autism Research was signed into law on Jan. 7.
Since its inception two years ago, the council has awarded 23 research grants, assisted in the establishment of an autism registry in the state, and helped develop the first statewide campaign in the country designed to educate physicians and parents of young children about the early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders. Such projects as these bring hope to families who are searching for better treatments, and possibly a cure, for their sons and daughters.
With much talk of a budget shortfall, it would have been easy for our state government to overlook the thousands of individuals and families in New Jersey who are affected by this lifelong developmental disorder. But the sponsors of this legislation, Assem-blyman Joseph Doria (D-31), Assemblyman Nicholas Felice (R-40) and Sen. Robert Singer (R-30), along with hundreds of parents of children with autism, did not allow that to happen.
On behalf of all these families, as well as the children and adults who live daily with the challenges of autism, I extend my deepest appreciation to the sponsors and former Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco for passing this very important legislation.
Paul Potito
Executive Director
The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC)
Ewing