Bill Text: CA SR13 | 2013-2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Relative to Autism Awareness Month
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-04-18 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 579.) [SR13 Detail]
Download: California-2013-SR13-Enrolled.html
BILL NUMBER: SR 13 ENROLLED
BILL TEXT
ADOPTED IN SENATE APRIL 18, 2013
ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY FEBRUARY 19, 1950
INTRODUCED BY Senator Correa
APRIL 15, 2013
Relative to Autism Awareness Month
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST
WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) now impact one out of
every 50 children in the United States, with an incidence rate that
is four times greater in boys, and are the fastest growing serious
developmental disability, making these disorders more common than
pediatric cancer, diabetes, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS) combined; and
WHEREAS, The prevalence of autism is increasing by 10 to 17
percent annually and ASDs cost the nation over $35 billion per year,
and is estimated to exceed $200 billion in 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Most school districts in California have seen a doubling
of students with ASDs in the past five years. The number of
Californians with ASDs who are served by the State Department of
Developmental Services now exceeds 60,000, which is a number that has
increased fivefold since 1998, and is more than 12 times what it was
in 1987; and
WHEREAS, Many Californians are not adequately informed about ASDs
and the value and importance of early identification, assessment, and
treatment of these disorders; and
WHEREAS, Current scientific research demonstrates that the early
identification of and intervention with children with ASDs can result
in significant positive outcomes in many children with ASDs; and
WHEREAS, Parents and family members have made invaluable
contributions through their commitment, care, and advocacy, to
important advances in research, education, and treatment for
individuals with ASDs; and
WHEREAS, Public information and awareness efforts are of paramount
importance in accelerating early identification efforts and the
proliferation of early intervention programs and services; and
WHEREAS, The Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related
Disorders has appointed regional autism taskforces that are comprised
of consumers and their family members, advocates, providers,
researchers, and other experts in the area of ASDs, and other
stakeholders, to provide assistance to, and to support the work of,
the select committee. Senator Steinberg, as Chair of the Senate
Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders, has established the
Statewide Taskforce on Equity and Diversity to ensure that all
Californians have equitable and fair access to state-funded services
and that these services are provided in a linguistically and
culturally competent manner; and
WHEREAS, California has been the established leader in providing
services and support for the early identification, assessment,
intervention, education, and treatment of individuals with ASDs that
began with the passage of landmark state legislation, such as the
Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act in 1977 and
Assembly Bill 3854 (Chapter 1527 of the Statutes of 1974), relating
to autism and public education; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 946
(Chapter 650 of the Statutes of 2011), California's landmark bill,
authored by Senator Steinberg, which required health care coverage
for behavioral health treatment for children with autism and
pervasive developmental disorders; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 946 is estimated to provide coverage for
around 125,000 Californians with ASDs, with savings to California
taxpayers estimated to range from $138.8 million to $197.8 million
annually; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Senate of the State of California,
That the Senate recognizes and commends the work of all nonprofit
organizations that are contributing to the well-being of individuals
with autism and their families; and be it further
Resolved, That the Senate supports the goal of increasing research
to learn the root causes of autism and identify the best methods of
early intervention and treatment, expand programs for individuals
with autism across their lifespan, and promote understanding of the
special needs of people with autism; and be it further
Resolved, That the Senate stresses the need to identify children
with ASDs and to begin early intervention services immediately after
a child has been diagnosed with autism, and that these services,
interventions, and supports for individuals with ASDs and their
families be provided in an integrated, seamless, comprehensive, and
competent manner and delivered across the child's lifespan; and be it
further
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and commends the parents and
relatives of individuals with ASDs for their sacrifice and dedication
in providing for the special needs of individuals with ASDs; and be
it further
Resolved, That the Senate is committed to providing early
screening, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment for ASDs in a manner
that is equitable for all Californians, including, but not limited
to, individuals and families who reside in underserved communities;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Senate designates April 2013 as California
Autism Awareness Month, affirms its commitment to the important
issues related to ASDs, and emphasizes that each and every individual
with an ASD is a valued and important member of our society; and be
it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
