Last month the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month in Miami Dade County in conjunction with an Open House at the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. I am honored to have sponsored this as a labor of love. Autism is an issue that is very close to my heart.

A little over three years ago my wife and I struggled to understand why our daughter Nora was not communicating like other children her age. After numerous doctor visits and many tests our daughter was diagnosed as being autistic.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is estimated that autism occurs in 1 in 500 children and it knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Autism affects each person differently. It affects the normal development of the brain in the areas related to social interaction and communication skills. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interactions, often making it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world.

Autism is not caused by parents and does not appear to be the result of environmental problems. Unfortunately, a specific cause of autism is not known. Evidence shows autism might have a genetic basis, but no specific gene has been linked to it. But for most, there is no specific cause for autism. These non-specific answers can be very frustrating for parents and family members who would like some explanations.
Once my daughter's diagnosis was complete, my wife and I recognized Nora needed aggressive intervention. Not a day goes by that Nora is not involved in some type of therapy. Nora is now in kindergarten in the public school system where she spends most of her day in a mainstream classroom along with "normal" kids. But, there is a long way to go.

Another challenge facing families of autistic children relates to research and health care coverage for treatment and therapy of this condition. Luckily for my daughter and family, we have been able to work through the various obstacles and ultimately get Nora the care she deserves and needs. Unfortunately, others are not so lucky.
Currently there is important legislation both at the Federal and State level that stand to have a tremendous impact on hundreds of thousand of children, adults and families living with autism. Our federal legislators are currently looking at landmark legislation that will increase the current federal allocation for autism research and public awareness from $15 million to over $40 million per year for five years. These are all steps that were unheard of just a short time ago.

At the State level our legislators currently are reviewing an act relating to health insurance coverage that would require health insurers or health maintenance organizations that offer major medical coverage to include coverage for treating autism. I am confident that this legislation will be passed by our state legislators and signed by Governor Bush during this session. This will provide coverage for many families who currently go without treatment. Treatment that can be costly and currently is not covered by insurance.
My wife Dori and I admit that some days are roller coasters of emotion but we realize that each milestone in Nora's development is actually a huge mountain range for her. And despite the uncertainty that lies ahead for Nora, our family is stronger and my daughter is at the heart of our love.

For questions and information on autism, I encourage you to contact the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). CARD seeks to provide support and assistance to people with autism and related disabilities. These services are available to the community free of charge. The Center may be contacted at 800-928-8476.

As always, please remember that my staff and I are always available to assist you and your family. My Downtown office number is 305-375-5680 or my District Office number 305-529-0599.