Assembly Speaker Roberts-Led Autism Measures Clear Senate Committee

ROBERTS-LED AUTISM MEASURES CLEAR SENATE COMMITTEE

(TRENTON) - Four bills Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. championed as part of a comprehensive effort to improve detection, treatment and awareness of autism in New Jersey were released today from the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

"With new studies showing New Jersey with the highest reported autism rates in the country, it is critically important that the state respond to this enormous challenge," said Roberts (D-Camden).  "These measures will help New Jersey address the rising numbers of children being diagnosed with autism and a corresponding surge in the numbers of young autistic adults who are now aging out of the state's special education system."

Roberts began crafting the Assembly's autism initiative last year following a six-day series published by The Record of Hackensack called "In Autism's Grip."  The series took an in-depth look at the state's high autism incidence rates and the plight of families that have autistic loved ones. 

The package of bills - seven in all -- gained added momentum in February, when the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new study that found New Jersey to have the nation's highest reported rate of autism - one of out of every 94 children.  The national rate is one out of 150 children.

"These initiatives address autism from early childhood through adulthood and will ensure that our state maintains its status as a national leader in helping families cope with this neurological disorder," said Roberts.

The four autism bills released today - each by a 10-to-0 vote -- consist of the following:

• A-2306 - establishes a centralized statewide autism registry and appropriates $500,000 -- Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-Essex) and Speaker Roberts;
• A-4056 - requires pediatricians to screen for symptoms of autism - Assemblymen Herbert C. Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington) Michael Panter (D-Monmouth), Roberts, and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen)
• A-4057 - creates a new expert panel to study the needs of autistic adults - Roberts, Assemblywoman Joan Voss (D-Bergen), Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), and McKeon;
• A-4059 - Extends funding for autism medical research and treatment - Roberts, Assemblyman David Mayer (D-Camden), Voss, and Assemblyman Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic).

"Autism is a lifelong condition that requires lifelong services and care," said Roberts. "We have a responsibility to help autistic New Jerseyans and their families in every way we possibly can."

The cause of autism remains unknown.  It is a disorder that impairs the central nervous system, compromising an individual's ability to listen, speak, and form social relationships.  The condition often is marked with highly focused, repetitive behavior.

Roberts said the autism measures would strengthen the state's existing network of support and services for children and adults with autism.  New Jersey is widely credited with being a national leader in autism services and awareness.

Roberts said that aggressive action is needed from early childhood through adulthood and that early intervention during the initial stages of autism diagnosis has been shown to reduce severity of the disorder. He said the package will provide landmark programs and services to address the swelling numbers of children aging out of the public education system, which began classifying autism as a separate disorder in 1991.  He also noted that the new panel on adults with autism would help adults with autism to lead more independent and productive lives.

The bills now go to the Senate President, who decides if and when to post them for floor votes. 

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