Relates to identifying the incidence and needs of those affected by autism spectrum disorder in this state and requiring training of education personnel

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Requires the NYS Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The Commission on Quality Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabili- ties, and the State Education Department to work with local entities to engage in a statewide study on the incidences of autism spectrum disor- ders and provide a report with findings one year later. This study shall include: clinical observations, environmental factors, number of children receiving services, educational records, and other relevant topics.

Section 2. Amends Section 4402 of the Education Law by adding anew subdivision 8 that would provide and require the board of education or trustees of each school district and the City of New York school district have a program of education and training for school district personnel including teachers, para-professionals, custodians and bus drivers on the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disor- ders. This training may be provided through a board of cooperative education services or in conjunction other districts.

Section 3. Subdivision 3 of Section 95-e of the state finance law is amended to also include outreach programs for school districts and community organizations which provide after school programs, social event and summer camp programs for children and families of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Justification

The incidences of children with autism spectrum disorders are on the rise in New York State. It costs more to educate a child with these disorders and some children are not placed in the correct educational setting due to incorrect diagnosis, the shift in classifications and the inability of school districts to properly educate these children.

This legislation provides for a statewide study to find out how many children have autism spectrum disorders and identifying their specific needs. This study would provide true data to help identify the chal- lenges facing school districts, in order to help schools and families

meet these needs. It is hard to get parents and schools the right assistance if we don't know how many children are affected.

This bill would also provide education and training of school district personnel (teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers) on the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and ways to approach and properly treat these children. The training could come from BOCES or be shared by districts that may already have this type of training in place.

In addition the bill would provide school districts and community outreach group grants for social and family needs of the children with autism spectrum disorders. Basically, to provide after-school programs, weekend events (a place for them to go and be with other families affected by autism) and summer camp programs. This would assist the parents and the children by giving them a social outlet and down-time for the parents. This money would come from the fund set-up in 2004 for autism awareness projects and research.

This legislation will go a long way in identifying, educating and providing helpful outreach programs for children, families and school districts facing the many challenges presented by autism spectrum disor- ders.

Prior legislative history

2007-08: S.7595 Referred to Education

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.