There is a growing epidemic of autism in California. Consequently, the need to understand and find ways to both prevent and cope with this developmental disorder has never been more critical. I recently joined several of my fellow state senators to establish the Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders, which we hope will shine a light on this often-misunderstood disorder. As part of this effort, parents, families, elected officials, and community leaders throughout the state are coming together to learn more about the causes of autism.

This work includes searching for ways to prevent autism and assisting those who already have the disorder.

What is autism?

Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been diagnosed for many years, it is not completely understood. We know that it is a complex neurological developmental disorder that affects brain function, causing mild to severe symptoms for an estimated 1 in every 91 children in the U.S. each year. It is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the nation and is now more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. It affects four times more boys than girls, crosses all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic lines, and it is believed that ASD has affected the lives of tens of millions of children and families worldwide.

In the Bay Area alone, more than 1,000 people are being treated for autism at the Golden Gate Regional Center, and the majority of those patients are children and young adults.

One of the reasons autism is so difficult to understand is the fact that there is no single known cause. Researchers have discovered a number of genes that seem to be linked to autism, which may indicate that children can inherit the disorder or be genetically susceptible to developing it. Scientists are also studying other possible causes, including environmental sources such as toxins in consumer products, problems during labor or delivery, the role of the immune system, and damage to the amygdale (a portion of the brain).

As part of our work on the Senate Select Committee, I have been hosting regular discussions with local advocates in Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco counties. These incredibly committed leaders have brought their knowledge, experience and passion to this ongoing dialogue, which is aimed at developing helpful policy for those affected by ASD.

Our committee is looking at the following key issues:
• Early identification and intervention treatments for young children.
• Community placement including education, training and employment.
• Housing issues.
• Significant fiscal implications that will arise due to the greater costs of providing services and support to adults rather than children and young adults.
• Opportunities for insurance coverage by private health plans and the public sector.

It is our hope that with increased advocacy and awareness, we can continue finding solutions to learn more about this misunderstood disorder. For more information about autism and our work with the Senate Select Committee, please visit www.senate.ca.gov/autism. You may also contact my San Francisco district office at 415-557-1300 or San Rafael district office at 415-479-6612, or by e-mail at [email protected].

Senator Mark Leno represents the Third Senate District of California, which includes portions of San Francisco and Sonoma Counties and all of Marin County.