I don't think you should underestimate the impression you can make on 20-something "staffers". These young people can be the closest to the reality of autism. Many of them have young siblings, cousins, etc. who are affected. They are talking about this and many are open-minded about what happened.

Terri,

"The real impact of this meeting may depend on our follow-up."

I think you make a great point on the follow up aspect. Just the fact that the meeting occured and was recorded is a big deal. Hopefully this event can be built upon.

David

Terri,

I agree with you whole heartedly. We had a lot of momentum after the rally. The rally organization was OUTSTANDING but there was no post rally follow-up to keep that going. That is not a criticism of any particular group because it is not obvious to me who should have taken that responsibility...just an observation.

I hope we stay organized here. Between the rally and this we are gaining a lot of attention. Let's recognize and use the collateral we've earned.

I'm not sure how or which group should move it forward but I am certainly willing to help.

The point about young staffers is well taken.
When you are 20 something and interning in DC. It is hard to imagine beyond where every one is going after work.
Much less working a career for 12 years, saving, buying a house and having gorgeous children. Then innocently take them in for a wellness visit and almost overnight have your world turn up side down.

I just don't think they get it.
I am unsure if they can even assimilate this and take it back to the reps properly.
What ever happened to being able to talk to who you voted for?
The two senators that came should be commended.

"Mark did a great job at defending and taking these questions on. I was quite impressed with his eloquence as I would have probably killed the snotty little staffer that was quesioning Davids slides."

Exhibit one on *why* he sits in high-level meetings.

Most people *would* deck the "snotty little staffer" -- lol -- but Mark remains calm in those type of situations and he has a track record at being able to respond in a very diplomatic manner no matter what's *thrown* in his direction.

When it comes to "federal agencies" and their failure at addressing this public health crisis he becomes very passionate in his message (as he did today) and he maintains that same level of passion in smaller, more intimate meetings as well.

I happen to be in town on business and I just came back from this meeting. It was a pretty small room but yes it was packed. I am guessing about 50-70 were there. From the looks of it, most were staffers and there were a few parents like myself. I know there were at least 2-3 senators and I am not sure how many if any representatives. David presented very well as usual and then Mark added his piece as well. After this, there were questions taken from the staffers. There were a few pointed questions. I felt that they were quite divisive and loaded questions. This was really dissapointing to me. Mark did a great job at defending and taking these questions on. I was quite impressed with his eloquence as I would have probably killed the snotty little staffer that was quesioning Davids slides. Overall it was a useful meeting. However, for me who doesnt participate in this type of thing very often, I dont feel it was hugely impactful. It didnt seem like this meeting will be any type of game changer for our community but I am a rookie at this. Hopefully I am wrong on that. Great job to David and Mark. I am more inspired now to try to be more active and help out......I would like to help more in future.

Psstt Amy (ECBT):

By the looks of the crowd in the room seems some in Congress really *DO* think autism is a national priority deserving of their attention.

Your time might be better spent *brushing up* on your PR skills (i.e. refraining from insulting members of Congress by insinuating where they should spend their time) to prep for your next, Merck promo.

People in the picture look young. Was it mostly staffer attending?

It was hard to hear everything on the A1 media.

I am interested to know what kinds of questions were being asked at the Q&A. Seemed like before A1 cut they were going through the tired meme of 'epidemiological" studies.

I put on C Span just for the heck of it at around two thirty. My cable provider brings to my telly three channels of C Span. Two of those were showing the exact same congressional proceeding with Hank Paulson. I know that that's important, but wth, why would I want to watch the same program on two different channels at the same time?

Sheesh, they could've been broadcasting the Maloney briefing.

David had just started speaking at the briefing. My cell phone started to ring. It was a 202 number so I answered it.

“Hi Jeanne. This is —- calling from Congressman —–’s office. I just wanted to ask if the room number had been changed for the autism briefing?”

“Not that I know of… did you go to room 210?”

“Yes, but there must be a budget meeting going on because the room is packed…”

“That is the autism briefing! The room is packed because there were over 130 RSVPs.”

“Ohhh… okay.”

“Hurry. Get down there now. Mr. Kirby just started speaking, you still have time. You don’t want to miss this briefing! It’s going to be historical!”

“Okay. Thanks!”