Sweeping autism legislation — a top priority for Senate President Ben Albritton — passed the Florida Senate Wednesday on the heels of Developmental Disabilities Day at the Florida Capitol. This marks a significant milestone for the state, as the bill aims to address critical issues surrounding autism services and support for families.
SB 112, which has garnered widespread support, is the first bill of its kind to clear the Senate and passed with unanimous approval. The passage of this legislation is seen as a major step forward for individuals with autism and their families, ensuring that much-needed resources and support will be more accessible.
In an unusual move, Albritton spoke ahead of closing remarks by bill sponsor Sen. Gayle Harrell, taking the opportunity to reflect on the challenges that families with autistic children often face. He shared that over the years, he has met numerous parents who expressed a common concern: they feel isolated, unable to find the help and services they need for their children.
“What we are doing today is, we are sending a message to those parents. And if you can hear me, we hear you and we are running to your fight,” Albritton said. His words underscored the profound importance of the bill, especially for those families who have felt unheard and unsupported.
The bill directs the Florida Department of Health to request federal approval under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), aiming to provide Florida families with essential early intervention therapies and services through the Early Steps program until the child turns four. This provision is particularly impactful, as the Early Steps program currently provides intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers. However, under existing law, children age out of the program when they turn three, leaving a gap in services that this bill seeks to address.
SB 112 also introduces two new education-related grant programs. One of these is designed to fund specialized summer programs for children with autism, while the other will support charter schools exclusively serving children with autism and related developmental disorders. These programs are a crucial addition, as they provide both immediate educational opportunities and long-term support tailored to the unique needs of children with autism.
Moreover, the bill designates the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub for autism research, services, and best practices. This designation will help centralize resources and expertise in the state, ensuring that families and professionals have access to cutting-edge research and effective intervention strategies. The center will also administer funds for the summer educational programs, which will focus on developing behavioral and social skills, as well as providing speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies. Additionally, the center will offer family support and training workshops, further enhancing the resources available to families.
As part of the initiative, the center will oversee a grant program to establish charter schools dedicated to children with autism. Grants will prioritize schools in rural and underserved areas, as well as those with a proven track record in establishing and running charter schools for students with autism. Schools that use existing facilities will also be given priority, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective development.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), defines autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, along with repetitive behaviors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2020, one in 36 children aged 8 were estimated to have autism, highlighting the widespread need for comprehensive services and support.
Despite the overwhelming support for the bill, some senators raised concerns about certain provisions, particularly the proposal to offer a no-cost autism credential for instructional and childcare personnel. Sen. Tracie Davis, a teacher who works with students with disabilities, voiced her concerns about the costs associated with the new credential and the shortage of providers available to offer the services.
“If we’re providing all these great services, which we are — this is a great bill, it is — but I just think the beginning stages of what sometimes we’re missing is the providers for the services,” she said. This is an important issue, as the availability of qualified providers is crucial to the success of the bill’s initiatives. Davis pointed out the current shortage of support coordinators in Florida’s iBudget program, which has led to long waitlists. The iBudget program provides people with developmental disabilities access to home- and community-based services to help with daily living.
Davis further emphasized that while the bill allocates significant resources for autism services, more attention must be paid to incentivizing and recruiting providers in the field. “So, we are putting money into the programs but we’re not putting enough money or enough incentives in the area where we are recruiting providers,” she noted.
The passage of SB 112 comes at a time when the state is also making strides in expanding autism coverage through Medicaid. For the first time, Florida is relying on Medicaid managed care plans to cover applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for Medicaid-eligible children. ABA is a well-established therapy that helps children with autism and other developmental disabilities by using scientific principles to modify behaviors. Prior to the new contracts, ABA therapy was delivered outside of managed care plans, making it less accessible for many families.
Albritton’s proposal, or one similar to it, is expected to gain support in the Florida House of Representatives, where House Speaker Daniel Perez has also been an advocate for autism-related issues. Perez, whose brother has autism, has long championed policies that support individuals with developmental disabilities. In fact, before becoming speaker, Perez played a key role in securing the passage of a Medicaid managed care pilot project for people with developmental disabilities.
As the sweeping autism bill progresses through the legislative process, it is clear that significant strides are being made to address the needs of families and children affected by autism in Florida. This bill marks a critical step in ensuring that comprehensive, accessible services are available to those who need them the most.
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