Hillary Clinton promises more funds for autism

Presidential aspirant Democrat Hillary Clinton has promised increased funding for research into autism.

Clinton has pledged $700 million a year towards research and education should she be elected President.

The number of children diagnosed with the disorder has risen from one in 10,000 in 1993 to 1 in 150 in 2007 meaning about 25,000 children are diagnosed with autism each year.

Clinton says the disease is a 'national health crisis' which costs the nation at least $35 billion each year.

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behaviour; it usually appears before a child is three years old.

There is no cure for the disorder and most cases are managed with behaviour modification therapy and sometimes medication to control obsessive behaviours.

Most children with autism lack social support, meaningful relationships, future employment opportunities or self-determination and the condition is often a burden for families to bear.

Hillary Clinton has previously co-sponsored legislation called the Combating Autism Act in 2006 and earlier this year the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act and has criticised current President George Bush for refusing to fully fund such efforts.

The Democrat is promising to boost funding for research into the causes of autism, to improve education and early detection and investigation of autism treatments and provide training for teachers to help them deal with children suffering from the condition; she also promises increased support services for families caring for an autistic person.

The Autism Society of America says it welcomes Senator Clinton's plans to support Americans with autism and their families throughout their lives.