Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D., Assemblyman Michael Panter, and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle

ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL PROMOTING EARLY INTERVENTION FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Measure Would Require Statewide Training for Early Detection of Autism

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

The measure (A-4056) would require the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to address the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The measure would require pediatricians to be trained in autism detection under a system to be developed in partnership with the Governor's Council on Autism and autism-treatment advocacy groups.

"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 DHS's Early Intervention Program (EIP) to provide appropriate services to those infants and toddlers as early as possible.

Additionally, EIP 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, EIP 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 (CDCP) 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 CDCP 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 bills passed 79 to 0 in the Assembly and now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

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