Creates the New York state autism council

BILL NUMBER:S5246

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law and the state finance law, in relation to creating the New York state autism council

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill authorizes the creation of the New York State Autism Council.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of the bill defines the terms used within the legislation and sets fourth the makeup of the council as well as the responsibilities and duties of the council.

Section 2 establishes a fund for program service enhancements for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, autism awareness projects or autism research projects approved by the Department of Health.

Section 3 set for the effective date of the legislation.

Justification

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that impairs learning and slows intellectual development. It is one of the five disorders under the umbrella of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, a category of neurological disorders characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development including motor, language, cognitive and social skills. Autism is a spectrum disorder in which the symptoms and characteristics present themselves in a wide variety of combinations and ranges of severity. It typically appears in children under the age of three and most children are diagnosed with autism by the age of two. Over 17,000 individuals in New York have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and the United States Department of Education reports that autism is growing at a rate of 10-17% per year.

Many parent and family groups across New York State offer critical services, information and support. While the cause of autism is unknown, there exists extensive care and treatment programs for individuals with autism. This council will gather many of the state agencies and autism support groups together to:

* approve autism awareness programs;

* carry out a program to provide information and education on program and service enhancements to families in the state with members suffering from autism;

*establish a mechanism for the sharing of information among researchers and clinicians in the state conducting biomedical research on autism and autism spectrum disorder;

*provide for a mechanism that would permit the public to obtain information on the existing and planned programs and activities being conducted related to autism; and

*provide an annual report to the governor with the council's recommendations and examining the creation of programs and services for individuals with autism.

Prior legislative history

2009-2010: A.2993 - Referred to Mental Health. 2007-2008: A.6947 - Reported from Mental Health, referred to Ways and Means

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect 180 days after it shall have become law.