Governor David A. Paterson signed legislation last week sponsored by Assemblyman Tom Alfano, Deputy Speaker Harvey Weisenberg and Senator Kemp Hannon that will require the Department of Health (DOH) to update the guidelines used by pediatricians to identify children with autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and refer them for appropriate services. Alfano called the bill signing a tremendous step forward for children with autism. Joining Alfano and Weisenberg in sponsoring the legislation were Assemblymen Rob Walker and Tom McKevitt and Senator Chuck Fuschillo.

"This legislation will help pediatricians across the state quickly and comprehensively identify kids with ASDs, so that they can receive the support they need at an early age," said Governor Paterson. "Coupled with other efforts recently announced by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, this bill will not only ensure our children have access to appropriate services, but will help educate the public on these often overlooked disorders."

"This new law will establish procedures for doctors and give parents the information they need to address and incorporate strategies for children with autism. For too long, professionals have waited to address the needs of children with autism and this new law takes a proactive approach for children," said Alfano adding, "services for children with autism will now be targeted at an early age which is the way it should be."

Alfano pointed to local school districts that have proactive autism programs for children as the catalyst for his involvement in the issue. "At Clara H. Carlson School, there is one of the most outstanding autism programs I have ever seen. The teachers and support staff are outstanding and the program is truly a crown jewel of education," said Alfano. "Now great programs will become even better with children receiving services at an even earlier age before they walk through the doors of a school building in many cases."

According to Walker, "by putting together a program that helps children at an early age, we are providing a better quality of life for children with autism. This is a great bill and I'm really pleased that the Governor signed it into law."

ASDs are developmental disabilities usually evident and typically diagnosed within the first years of life and often associated with mental retardation. Individuals with ASDs often have difficulty relating and responding to persons, events or objects, and engage in repetitive behaviors or exhibit preoccupation with narrow interests. The severity of these challenging behaviors varies considerably, resulting in multiple diagnoses along the autism spectrum. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASDs affect one in every 150 children in some communities.

The bill requires DOH to establish best practice protocols for early screening of children for ASDs by pediatric primary care providers. These protocols would incorporate standards and guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and must include: (1) the routine employment of objective ASD screening tools at regular intervals during critical childhood developmental stages; (2) facilitation of a dialogue between service provider and parents for purposes of educating the parents about ASDs, using a modified checklist for ASDs in toddlers; and (3) an appropriate referral mechanism for children who, based upon results of the screening process, require further evaluation. The bill also requires DOH to make the modified checklist for ASD available to the public on its website.

"To give children the best start, we should do everything we can to make sure that children receive intervention services as soon as possible when it appears that an ASD is present," said New York State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, MD. "The Department of Health is committed to updating the autism screening protocols to make sure that practitioners and families have the tools they need to help identify children with ASDs."

New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter said, "OMRDD's Autism Platform will go a long way towards promoting research and education that will be translated into practical assistance for both children and adults with ASDs. OMRDD's mission is to help individuals with developmental disabilities live richer lives. This bill will help ensure that more children are referred for important intervention services at an early age, enhancing the foundation for lifelong supports."