Summary of the 2002 Autism Rally
Bethesda, Maryland
April 22, 2002

From the Autism Society of America:
The autism community, government leaders, and entertainers came together on the national mall yesterday to raise awareness about America's fastest-growing disability: autism. Participants braved cold and rainy weather to participate in the third annual "Power of One - IDEA" rally and speak out for the pressing need for increased research and services for autism.

ASA President Lee Grossman, who was one of the event's emcees, spoke about the encouraging turn of events that occurred on Capitol Hill just days earlier. Taking note of the weather during the rally, Grossman said: "Today is a bright, sunny, wonderful day for autism. The federal government now has recognized the importance of our cause as autism is now a national health emergency." "The rally is a great opportunity to show the collective strength of the autism community, and ASA will continue to demonstrate the leadership necessary to make autism a national issue," Grossman added.

The focus of the "POWER of ONE – IDEA" rally was the role of the federal government in supporting the needs of the autism community in the areas of funding for research and education, especially the Individuals with Disabilities with Education Act (I.D.E.A.), which is up for reauthorization this year. Speakers called for dramatic increases in research for autism and full funding of IDEA.

The rally was organized by Unlocking Autism with support from ASA and other autism-related groups. Speakers included representatives from Unlocking Autism; leaders of ASA; leaders from the various autism-related groups; advocates from the offices of the U.S. Congress, such as Beth Clay from the House Committee on Government Reform; and children and adults with autism, including ASA Board Member Stephen Shore. The emcees for the event were Unlocking Autism’s Jeana Smith, ASA President Lee Grossman, and ASA 2nd Vice President Jeff Sell.

This year's rally also included entertainment by the talented Louisiana-based, rock-and-roll band Jonasay, which generously donated their time to perform at the rally.

The uplifting music was a perfect complement to the many wonderful and heartfelt speeches, which covered a range of topics, including concerns over vaccines as well as other theories related to the causes of autism.

However, the overarching message from all was the urgent need to invest more into research to answer the countless questions surrounding autism, not the least of which are what causes it and how it can be effectively treated.

"At this time, I stand before you as I continue my quest to help those with autism spectrum disorder lead fulfilling and productive lives," ASA Board Member Shore said. "Here, in the United States of America, currently the wealthiest nation on Earth, everyone on the autism spectrum has a right under IDEA to receive critical services throughout their lifespan tailored to their needs," Shore said. "This should not be a matter of luck or debate, but a question of how."

More information on the rally will be included in the upcoming edition of the Advocate.

Another Note on the Rally

Windy, fifty degree tempuratures and rain kept this year's Power of One Rally small this last Sunday in Washington DC. Even the high spirits of everyone who was there was tempured by the sad news of the loss of Unlocking Autism's Shelley Reynolds' younger brother, who died in the early hours of Saturday morning of unknown causes. She had to leave early to return to her family.

The poor weather and sad personal news, however stood in contrast to the good strides made in autism awareness since last year's rally. Rep. Dan Burton's hearing in the days before the rally made news with his declaration that autism be taken seriously as an epidemic by the NIH and the CDC (see story below.)

The other good news was a new emboldened stance taken by the ASA and its President Lee Grossman. Grossman called for $500 million to be spent on fundamental autism research and another $100 million by spent on treatment research. –Lenny Schafer (FEAT Daily News)

Additional Articles:

Congressman Burton Urges Autism Research at Hearing

See information on Stephen Shore's Congressional testimony on his website

See the House Government Reform Committee's Information on autism

ASA's Information on the Congressional Hearings; April, 2002

Written Testimony of Lee Grossman, President of the Autism Society of America Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform Hearing on Autism April 18, 2002.

Written Testimony of Stephen Shore, Member, Autism Society of America Board of Directors Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform Hearing on Autism April 18, 2002.