STATE SENATOR DONALD HUMASON JR.
BOSTON – The Massachusetts House is backing a bill that offers strategies for addressing the needs of the growing number of children diagnosed with autism.
The measure, given unanimous approval yesterday, would establish a permanent state commission on autism and develop a training program for teachers to help educate students with the disorder.
The proposal, which now goes to the Senate, would also allow families of children with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions to put money aside in tax-exempt savings accounts to help cover long-term expenses such as education, medical care, housing and job training.
The legislation would also expand eligibility for IQ-based state programs designed for adults with autism.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its latest report on rates of autism spectrum disorders late last month and announced that one in 68 people under age 21 today have autism.
Rep. Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington) supported the measure and said it would help numerous families across the state.
“Autism is a growing issue that affects a great number of people who have been looking for services and programs that are not often available through traditional providers,” Kulik said.
Kulik said the Autism Commission would be comprised of providers, physicians, mental and developmental health experts, educators, families and parents.
“They will mainly be gubernatorial appointments,” Kulik said, adding that by creating the Commission there is a hope to “make more services available” to those on the spectrum.
Sen. Donald F. Humason (R-Westfield) said he planned to support the bill, which could come before the Senate today.
“In my humble opinion, I do not think it will be a problem to pass this,” Humason said.
‘There has been a lot of attention and awareness of autism and a recent report found that he prevalence is higher than what was thought,” he said. “There is a lot of interest in this Commission.”
Humason said it typically takes 90 days from the day of passing to create a new commission.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.
