EARLY INTERVENTION FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN BILL HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed legislation Assembly members Herb Conaway, M.D., Michael Panter, and Valerie Vainieri Huttle sponsored to ensure a seamless system for detecting autism in children and referring them for appropriate treatment and classification.

The measure (A-4056/S-2568), would require the Early Intervention Program in the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to address the specific needs of children.

"By establishing comprehensive guidelines for New Jersey pediatricians to use in the evaluation and referral of autistic children, we can ensure appropriate treatment for infants and toddlers as soon as possible," said Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington/Camden).  "For autistic children, early detection is key to ensuring proper care."

The bill calls for the development of guidelines for health care professionals to use in evaluating infants and toddlers for autism.  These guidelines are to include timely referrals of infants and toddlers at risk for autism to DHHS's Early Intervention Program.  DHSS personnel are to consult with experts, advocates and the state's autism services community in crafting the guidelines.

Additionally, DHSS is to collect data on autism screening, diagnosis, and intervention programs and systems statewide that can be used for applied research, program evaluation, and policy development.  Finally, DHSS is to disseminate information on the medical care of individuals with autism to health care professionals and the general public.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that less than half of autistic children will be properly diagnosed before entering school.  Some autistic characteristics will begin to manifest within the first three years of a child's life.  If autism can be properly diagnosed in the early stages of development, most experts agree its effects can be minimized.

"Early detection of autism greatly improves the chances of a child developing into an adult who is prepared to function in society," said Panter (D-Monmouth/Mercer).  "This measure would strengthen the statewide network of support and treatment for autistic children as well as their families."

The bill would ensure that the parents of potentially autistic children be directed to agencies, organizations, and other programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children with autism.

"We need to give pediatricians and other health professionals all the best tools possible to identify autism and help families cope with this disorder," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen).  "Aggressive early intervention in children with autism has been shown to reduce the severity of the disorder."

The measure is part of a seven-bill legislative initiative constructed by Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) to improve New Jersey's efforts in the detection, treatment, and awareness of autism.  This package was announced after the CDC released a study in February that identified New Jersey as having the nation's highest rate of autism - one of out of 94 children.

The Senate passed the measure 37 to 0.  The Assembly voted 80-0 to concur with amendments made by the Senate.  The bill now heads to the Governor, who may sign it, veto it, or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.

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