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Mayor Menino to Receive Award for Excellence in Serving the Autism Community
11/3/2009 - Released by Mayor's Office
For more information contact Press Office at 617-635-4461

1st elected official to win Margaret L. Bauman, MD Award

Mayor Thomas M. Menino will receive the Margaret L. Bauman, MD Award for Excellence in Serving the Autism Community this Friday at the 14th Annual Current Trends in Autism Conference. The award, which is being given to an elected official for the first time, recognizes the Mayor’s work in establishing the first highly technological program for adolescents in Boston Public Schools, organizing the first Mayor’s Autism Summit last April, and creating an Autism Taskforce Committee to put ideas into action. He also wrote testimony in support of the Autism Insurance Bill that requires all insurance companies in the state to cover therapies for children with Autism Spectrum Diagnoses (ASD).

“It’s an honor to be selected to receive the Margaret L. Bauman, MD Award,” said Mayor Menino. “We’ve made a lot of progress on an issue that is psychologically and financially difficult for so many families in Boston and across the country. It’s our responsibility, as elected officials, to help those with autism and their families with the challenges they face on a daily basis. And insurance companies should also contribute by covering the cost of therapies people with autism need.”

Over the last 10 years, the Boston Public Schools estimates a 300 percent increase in the number of children diagnosed as being on the spectrum of autism. Research shows that children with ASD are more affected in their everyday learning and play activities than children with other conditions, and families are ultimately left paying for the significant costs associated with autism. According to analysis by the Boston Public Health Commission, about 25 percent of Massachusetts families of children with special needs have to cut back or quit work to care for their children. However, this figure rises to 45 percent for families of children with ASD.

“Mayor Menino has been has been a strong supporter of children with special needs, most especially those with autism, and their families in the city of Boston, establishing innovative programs within the public schools,” said Dr. Bauman. “The prevalence rates for children with autism are now said to be one in every 100-150 children. Research indicates that intensive early intervention and education services can significantly improve developmental outcomes for those affected. Mayor Menino has taken on a leadership role as it relates to the education of these children. We are honored to be able to thank him for his dedication to improving the lives and futures of children with autism and related disorders.”

Last month, Marie Duggan, the mother of an autistic son, delivered written testimony from Mayor Menino at a Financial Services Committee hearing in support of House Bill 3809, an Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism. After meeting Duggan several years ago, the Mayor learned about the struggles of autistic children and their families and developed a program to assist them in Boston schools.

“He is a man who listens to the problems we face and is not afraid to take steps to improve the lives of children and adults living with ASD,” said Duggan. “He has worked tirelessly with the Special Education Team on these issues and will remain actively involved to make sure the outcomes of the Autism Summit become a reality for all children and adults with ASD.”

Mayor Menino’s Autism Initiative seeks to improve the City’s education and public health systems of care and services for children with ASD and their families. With the assistance of $1 million dollars in stimulus funding, the City will equip schools with additional resources and training to enhance in-classroom supports for students with autism. It will acquire assistive technology equipment and software for students with autism and other significant disabilities. And it will provide professional development to teachers to support autistic students.

With the help of key stakeholders, the Mayor aims to meet the following goals:

  • Optimal developmental outcomes for Boston children with ASD, in terms of educational achievement, social integration and potential for adult autonomy in areas including employment and independent living;


  • Reduced burden on families raising children with ASD, resulting in improved employment options for parents, decreased family break-up and reduced parent stress;

  • A shared culture that respects families by recognizing the need for a family-centered approach, and maximizes integration across sectors and agencies;

  • Development of state-of-the-art programs in Boston Public School settings to reduce the need to send children out of the community;


  • Inclusion of children with ASD in all aspects of community life throughout the City of Boston; and

  • An outstanding program that will be recognized and replicated throughout the state and country.


The Margaret L. Bauman Award, MD Award for Excellence in Serving the Autism Community was established by the Friends of LADDER. Dr. Bauman is a world-renowned leader in the study and treatment of autism and an associate professor of neurology at Harvard. She has dedicated her career to autism research and clinical care and has established and developed The Autism Research Foundation, The Autism Research Consortium, and Learning and Development Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services (LADDERS). As a part of the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, LADDERS serves more than 4,000 patients each year.

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