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Governor Blunt Leads the Fight Against Autism
Friday, June 01, 2007
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Blunt Secures Doubled Funding for Autism Treatment and Diagnosis
 Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in the lives of those struggling with autism. Governor Blunt is leading the effort in Missouri to make sure families have the resources necessary to detect and treat autism in the earliest stages, and the Missouri General Assembly heeded his call for a significant increase for funding by more than doubling the amount to treat and diagnose autism.
Yesterday Governor Blunt visited autism centers across the state to highlight the benefits of the funding boost. The new state budget includes Governor Blunt's recommended $3.9 million increase for autism, which will help create an intensive day treatment program at the Ozarks Center in Joplin, expand staff and training, and reduce or eliminate waiting lists of children in line for services across the state.
"Autism has a profound impact on Missouri families, and this critical funding will help raise awareness about autism and provide greater treatment options to better the lives of children," Governor Blunt said.
Another budget bill provides $2.6 million for construction of a state of the art center at Southeast Missouri State University to diagnose and treat Missourians who suffer from autism.
What Others Have to Say...
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"We are very appreciative of the Governor's commitment to this innovative pre-school program for children with Autism. This funding will provide gold standard care to children and families in Missouri. With the incidence of Autism skyrocketing, this is an issue of national concern."
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| --Paula F. Baker, CEO of the Ozark Center |
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"Southeast Missouri State University would like to thank Governor Blunt for including the Autism Center in the Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative. There is a great need for this center in Southeast Missouri for Autism to be diagnosed in the region's children so that treatment can begin. Our next goal is to develop a conceptual plan over the next several months to determine how the Autism Center that will be funded by Governor Blunt's plan might best serve the citizens of Southeast Missouri."
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--Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of
Southeast Missouri State University |
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"We are very grateful for Governor Blunt's focus on funding for early diagnosis of Autism. This funding will enable Children's Mercy Hospital's Developmental and Behavioral Sciences Section to expedite evaluations for the youngest children on our wait list."
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--Dr. Michele Kilo, Developmental Pediatrician & Chief,
Section of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences |
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"Governor Blunt's proposal to increase funding for Autism services and training and the Legislature's passage of his initiative will have a significant impact for the children of Missouri, their families, and professionals caring for them in communities throughout the state."
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--Dr. Monica H. Ultmann, Medical Director for
Knights of Columbus Developmental Center
Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center |
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