In a bipartisan show of support for an important issue, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I,Ref-Ballston) joined State Assembly colleagues Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam), Tom Abinanti (D- Greenburgh/Mt. Pleasant) and Melissa Miller (R,C,Ref-Atlantic Beach), as well as representatives of several Autism Advocacy groups, for a press conference commemorating Autism Awareness Month on Monday, April 3. In addition to rallying in favor of critical funding for early intervention and transitional support programs, Walsh, who also serves on the Autism Spectrum Disorder sub-committee, raised concerns regarding a number of issues facing the individuals and families whose day-to-day lives are affected by autism.

“As the number of autism diagnoses across the nation continues to rise, it is more important than ever that we turn advocacy into action, and unite in our commitment to supporting those struggling with this disorder,” said Walsh. “These individuals face a number of challenges, including an 85 percent unemployment rate, limited special education budgets and inadequate early intervention, issues that are especially troubling given the 10-15 percent autism diagnosis increase in New York students we have seen in recent years. As a parent of a young man on the autism spectrum, I call on my legislative colleagues to join me in my mission to provide adequate funding and support to the vitally-important programs that ensure these courageous men and women have unimpeded access to the resources they need to live successful and fulfilling lives.”