Autism Issues
By Senator Scott Brown and Representative Barbara L’Italien
As legislators and parents, we have the privilege of knowing and working with so many families that deal with the daily challenge of raising a loved one with autism. Through autism is frequently in the news, there remains a great deal of misinformation on the subject.
Autism is a complex developmental disability inhibiting normal brain function. Specifically, it inhibits the development of social interaction and communication skills. Autistic individuals often exhibit difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. Autism affects each person differently and even individuals who exhibit similar symptoms may do so to a varying degree.
Autism is the most common of the five Pervasive Developmental Disorders, which also includes Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, and developmental disorders that are not otherwise specified. While each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria, all of them are characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.” Together, they are often referred to as the Autism Spectrum Disorders or simply ASD
In 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention estimated that 1 in 166 newborns would be diagnosed with some form of Autism. Based upon this research, it is believed that as many as 1.5 million Americans are currently living with ASD. Unfortunately, this number of people with ASD is expected to grow substantially in the near future. Statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies suggest that the number of individuals displaying ASD is increasing by 10 to 17 percent annually.
Many people have contacted their legislators to express concern regarding these troubling statistics. We are moving forward on our end to work on these issues. During this legislative session, we will be co-sponsoring a series of bills designed to assist individuals living with ASD.
The goal of one piece of pending legislation is to assist those with ASD in finding employment. A component of the legislation calls for the creation of a program that will provide innovative support and services to build upon the strengths of individuals with autism, hopefully leading to employment and a more independent life.
Another bill would establish a tax credit for employers who hire individuals with ASD. The tax credit would represent a percentage of the employee’s gross wages. The humane treatment of disabled individuals is the focus of another bill which would amend current law by adding language to prohibit aversive treatment of the disabled.
An additional bill would increase the number of qualified providers of intensive in-home services for children with ASD. This would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of the Department of Education to collaborate with parents, care givers and ADS experts in developing recommendations designed to increase the number of qualified providers.
We are working hard in the legislature to make sure those affected by ADS are not held back by their disability. With the prediction that number of Americans with autism will rise in the coming years, we must make a commitment to advocate for those with the disease as well as promote research in order to prevent it from ever occurring.
To learn more, visit www.autismspeaks.org or the Asperger’s Association of New England at www.aane.org.
Senator Scott Brown represents the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex District and serves as Assistant Minority Whip in the Senate. Representative Barbara L’Italien represents the Eighteenth Essex district and is a member of the joint committee on Children and Families.