ralph szur | Dec 17, 2007

Many politicians promise many things to get elected. Looking at her voting record is probably a better indicator as to the level of support she may or may not provide.

Anonymous | Dec 19, 2007

Let's hope that the next administration--regardless of who the successful candidate is--will be more focused on domestic social programs. The autism "epidemic" clearly calls for dramatic action.

Anonymous | Dec 20, 2007

By including autism as part of a political platform and following it up with a pledge is a step in the right direction. Given the gravity of this epidemic, this commitment should be declared by all presidential candidates. We should be further along then we are in the amount of dollars devoted to autism research and services. Are other candidates making similar pledges?

Anonymous | Dec 20, 2007

In response to the Dec. 20 question about other candidates making similar pledges: Barack Obama's platform supports autism research. It also cites his co-sponsorhip of $350 million in new federal funding for treatment, interventions and services.

Rita Ross | Jan 5, 2008

While doing some research on community residential programs, I noticed an enormous disparity in the State's ability across the country to provide residential services. To be in a "Crisis" category is the only way to access a residential placement.
All the presidental canidates should put forth some facts helpful to enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities.... The ARC of the United States should share the diversity and inequality of programs with the States. This, in order to stimulate those families in need for residential building.

Ric Swierat | Jan 7, 2008

The Arc will be providing specific information about presidential candidate positions once the parties select their individual candidate. However, there is a link that has captured the current positions of candidates participating in the primary races.

Go to:
http://www.aapd-dc.org/News/election/peac2008.php

Sheryl Frishman | Jan 8, 2008

I think you need to look at a politician's track record
"pre-election" hype to really know where they stand. Hillary Clinton backed the passage of the IDEA "Individuals With Disabilities Education Act" before she was a candidate for Senator or a President, and has always had her heart in the right place regarding peope with developmental disabilities. I'm not commenting on her platforms on other matters. Nevertheless, what she says and what she does when she is elected is another matter altogether. I am pleased that she is putting an issue concerning developmental disabilities in her platform. Anyway that we can get our issues in the forefront is a good thing!

Jean St Aubin | Feb 3, 2008

I hope some day every politician, regardless of their polilical party,realize that autism is becoming a big problem.They need to finance more research for a solution.

Sharan DePalma | Mar 7, 2008

Since the Combating Autism Act hasn't been fully funded yet, Im loathe to believe any politician. Alas, I do hope that every politician can put our money where their mouths are and make a difference. Keep in mind that autism isn't the only epidemic we're facing.. let's take a closer look at food allergies (peanut free school, anyone?), asthma and childhood diabetes. The increase is marked, and I have seen more and more children receiving 504 plans to address these issues. We need funding! Research! And of course.. Answers!