[Pharmwaste] NJ Governor Corzine signs bills to bolster autism fight

[DeBiasi,Deborah]

Corzine signs bills to bolster autism fight

Thursday, September 13, 2007
BY DEBORAH HOWLETT

Star-Ledger Staff 

Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday signed a package of seven bills boosting
state support for programs aimed at helping those with autism and
Asperger's syndrome. 

"We are enhancing New Jersey's pioneer status in the fight against
autism spectrum disorders by bolstering our arsenal of programs,
training, education and research," Corzine said. "'More importantly, we
will be enabling those impacted by autism spectrum disorders to function
as independent, productive and empowered individuals." 

Autism has been a concern in New Jersey, where the rate and diagnosis is
disproportionately high. Experts estimate the national rate has
increased to about one in 150 children, while the incidence in New
Jersey is about one in 95. 

The bipartisan package includes legislation that provides a statewide
registry of those diagnosed with autism; a teacher training and
awareness program; an early intervention program in the state Department
of Health; and a task force to look and the needs of adults living with
autism. 

"Autism has become a significant challenge for everyone," said Assembly
Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), a chief sponsor of the legislation.
"'It is now the country's fastest growing disability -- more prevalent
than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined." 

Deborah Howlett may be reached at dhowlett at starledger.com or (609)
989-0273. 


Deborah L. DeBiasi
Email:   dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov
WEB site address:  www.deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Water Permit Programs
Industrial Pretreatment/Toxics Management Program
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