The House Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee has unanimously advanced a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorder. This bill seeks to enhance the range of services, support systems, and resources available to children in need, ensuring they have access to the tools they need for a brighter future.
Republican Rep. Randy Maggard of Zephyrhills, who presented the bill (HB 591), shared his perspective on the importance of early intervention for children with disabilities. According to Maggard, the key to ensuring success for these children is to establish an early safety net, providing them with the support and resources they need throughout their schooling years, which will set them on a path to thrive as adults. He emphasized that the earlier children receive the appropriate help, the better the chances are that they will grow into successful, productive citizens.
“Autism is an issue in the state of Florida, and what we’re trying to do is take a child that could be autistic, to get them tested, get them into rehab, and get them into mainstream life, get them into the workforce, so they will be productive citizens of our state,” Maggard said before the 16-0 vote.
The bill introduces several innovative measures to address the current gaps in services for children with autism. One such provision includes expanding the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program, which would now encompass screenings and services specifically for autism. This expansion would also create the Early Steps Extended Option, allowing children to continue receiving critical services beyond the age of three. Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of specialized charter schools exclusively designed for children with autism, providing an inclusive learning environment tailored to their needs.
Another key provision of the bill is the funding of summer programs aimed at helping children with autism develop essential skills and socialization opportunities with their peers. Furthermore, the bill seeks to establish the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Florida, which would oversee autism-related grants, coordinate resources, provide necessary training, and work to increase public awareness of autism-related issues.
“What the bill plans to do is if we can get them before the age of 3, our records show that 90% of those children will be productive,” Maggard said. “When we do not, then we’ll have a problem one day that we as a state will have to take care of.”
Maggard acknowledged the groundwork laid by previous lawmakers who introduced measures related to autism, noting that these efforts have paved the way for the current bill. He expressed his gratitude for past legislative achievements that have helped build a strong foundation on which Florida can now build even more comprehensive autism services.
“Thanks to past Legislatures that set the groundwork for us to build on, we have the bones in the state of Florida that we can build this and go,” Maggard said. “I am sure that most of you know somebody who has somebody who is autistic, and unfortunately it’s a number that’s growing.”
In addition to the positive impact the bill will have on children with autism, several lawmakers expressed their appreciation for the bill and highlighted its significance. North Miami Beach Democratic Rep. Wallace Aristide, an educator who works with both children and adults with autism, praised Maggard for the bill’s focus on early diagnosis and treatment. He emphasized the importance of starting early with children to ensure they can receive the right interventions and treatments that will help them lead successful lives as adults.
“I deal with a lot of young people that are autistic. … I deal with adults too that have the same issues,” Aristide said, adding that it is important to “make sure from a very early age we can begin to diagnose the problem, begin the program to begin the treatment to help them so later on in life they can be productive citizens of our community. So, I want to thank you for putting this bill out. … I just think it’s phenomenal.”
Escambia County Republican Rep. Michelle Salzman, who has two children with autism, also expressed her gratitude for the bill and its focus on early intervention. Salzman stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique needs of children with autism before they fall behind in school. She pointed out that public schools, and many private schools, often rely on a one-size-fits-all curriculum, which can leave children with autism and other learning disabilities behind.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. And in public school, and in the majority of private schools, they are one-size-fits-all curricula,” Salzman said. “When you don’t recognize and identify children that have learning disabilities, or they have unique abilities, such as children with autism, they are looked over, they are often not taught properly, and they start falling behind.”
Salzman further emphasized that children with autism aren’t the only ones who miss out on opportunities in the classroom. She pointed out that their classmates also suffer when a child with autism isn’t given the appropriate support, which can disrupt the entire class’s learning experience.
“Third grade reading scores are literally the indicator for high school dropout rates,” Salzman said. “If you don’t catch these kids early, then you’re taking the opportunities away not just from the families, but you’re also taking the opportunities from other children in the classroom, because the child with autism isn’t getting what they need and they’re disruptive.”
“This is such meaningful legislation,” Salzman added.
The bill has already made significant progress and will now move to the House Budget Committee for further review and consideration. Should the bill pass through the committee, it will represent a vital step toward improving the lives of children with autism in Florida. The potential impact of this legislation is far-reaching, offering not only immediate support for children and families but also long-term benefits that will help these children grow into productive adults.
Additionally, this legislation builds on previous efforts, showing a commitment to not only supporting children with autism but also promoting legislation to boost support for autism services, ensuring that these children receive the resources they need to succeed. By creating a comprehensive, statewide system of support, Florida is setting a precedent for other states to follow, demonstrating a true commitment to addressing the needs of those with autism and developmental disabilities.
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