New Jersey Lawmakers Push New Autism Legislation

New Jersey Senators have introduced bills in an effort to deal with their state having the highest rate of autism, providing medical professionals, parents and teachers more resources and information to better help those affected with the disease.

Trenton, New Jersey (PRWEB) May 30, 2007 – In lieu of the Center for Disease Control’s pegging New Jersey with the highest autism rates in the nation, the New Jersey Senate health committee released a package of bills designed to help several thousand individuals affected by Autism.
In New Jersey 1 in 94 children have autism. Utah is also among the states with high rates of autism, coming in third with 1 in every 133 children being affected.
The prevalence of autism is growing every year and with it comes a need for knowledge and action. “We used to think it was such a rare disorder,” University of Utah psychologist Sally Ozonoff said. “Now it’s turning out to be one of the most common developmental disorders. Everyone needs to know about it.”
This is exactly what New Jersey is seeking to do. They are the first state to introduce new autism legislation since the CDC released their statistics last February.
“As of February, 2007, the federal Centers for Disease Control identified New Jersey as having the highest rate of autism incidence in the nation,” said Senator Loretta Weinberg. “With our increased understanding of the spectrum of autism disorders comes the increased responsibility of providing a support system for families and individuals living with autism in the Garden State.”
The package of bills would establish a statewide autism registry, restructure a state research and treatment council, train teachers in autism awareness, instruct physicians in early detection, create the task force on adult autism and provide more money for research and treatment.
According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and presence of unusual behaviors and interests. The disorder begins before the age of three and last the person’s entire life.
“While New Jersey has done a lot to help children with autism, many times the
-more-
support dries up when those children transition into adulthood,” Weinberg said. “In some
of the most severe cases of autism, individuals need structured support for their entire lives.”
While there is no known cause or cure of autism, experts agree that a heightened awareness and early detection are important to helping those with the disease. Intensive therapies including behavioral, occupational, speech and physical show promise in lessening the severity of symptoms.