SPRINGFIELD - Families coping with autism descended on the Statehouse on Thursday, calling for more funding to help treat the disorder.

The Autism Society of Illinois is seeking support for a legislative package to aid families who spend as much as $60,000 a year on treatment.

"If we don't continue funding our families, our families will continue falling apart," said Chris Kennedy, of the autism society. "At some point, you run out of money and you run out of energy. Inevitably, you can't fight for your children anymore."

The group is pushing legislation that would provide direct support to affected families as well as extending insurance coverage for treatment. Another proposal would allow schools to hire behavior analysts, who can help teach autistic children.

Many families are considering moving to other states, said Jan Kriisa, a Decatur resident whose 9-year-old son is autistic.

"We've seen so many families leave the state of Illinois because they can't get services and they can't afford to pay," she said. "We can't really afford it. We don't have medical insurance; even if we did, it doesn't cover that type of therapy."

State Rep. Lee Daniels, R-Elmhurst, said the state should be spending more money on autism.

"We have a $56 billion budget in this state," said state Rep. Lee Daniels, R-Elmhurst. "You mean to tell me that we can't find more money for autism or research?"

The Autism Program, a state-funded organization, estimates that 22,000 Illinois children have the developmental disability that can affect speech and behavior.

Mary Farnsworth said her family has declared bankruptcy to get the therapy that George, 6, needs.

"We had so many medical expenses and I said, 'I would rather do that than have my son not get the life he deserves," said Farnsworth, who estimates that therapy costs the family $30,000 annually.

The two pieces of legislation are currently in the state Senate.

Matt Adrian can be reached at matt.adrian@;lee.net or 789-0865.