Senator Fuschillo Secures $50,000 In State Funding For Autism Research

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) announced today that he secured $50,000 in state funding for Autism Speaks, a nonprofit autism advocacy organization. The funding will be used for autism research.

"Continued research is vital to uncovering new and effective treatments for autism patients and ultimately finding a cure for autism. I am pleased to secure these funds, which will help researchers make additional scientific advances that will benefit autism patients and their families," said Senator Fuschillo, a member of the Senate’s Health Committee.

"On behalf of Autism Speaks, I’d like to thank Senator Fuschillo for securing these state funds, which will go a long way towards advancing research for autism spectrum disorders. Senator Fuschillo has long been an supporter and a friend to many families and understands the importance of accelerating research, and I thank him for his continued efforts on behalf of my son and the thousands of other children and adults affected by autism," said Merrick resident Michael Giangregorio, chairperson of Autism Speaks’ annual Long Island Walk Now For Autism and the father of an autistic child.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships. Patients typically have difficulties interacting with others, communicating both verbally and non-verbally, and engaging in leisure or play activities. According to Autism Speaks, the diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold over the last decade, with 1 in 150 children in the United States being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Autism Speaks is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 that is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and advocating for the needs of affected families. Autism Speaks is one of the nation’s largest autism advocacy organizations.

Senator Fuschillo has been a strong advocate for autism patients. In addition to securing state funds for autism research, Senator Fuschillo authored a law to protect autism patients and their families by ensuring that services for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders are covered by insurance.

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