Seven point action on autism sought by NJ Legislator.

February 16, 2007

N.J. Legislator Seeks Action on Autism

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By TOM HESTER Jr.

Associated Press Writer

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/wire/sns-ap-autism-prevalence,0,5159454.story?coll=sns-ap-health-headlines

February 14, 2007, 6:45 PM EST

TRENTON,

N.J. --

A week after a new study found New Jersey with the nation's highest

childhood autism rate, a top legislator announced plans to try to

target the disorder through improved detection, treatment and

awareness. The largest U.S. study of childhood autism found that about

1 in 152 have the disorder, while the highest rate -- 1 in 94 children

-- was found in New Jersey. "While

the reasons for New Jersey's high autism rates remain unclear, there is

no getting around the fact that these new statistics are a wake-up call

for action," said Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr. He said

a seven-bill package he is working on could be ready to advance during

the next four months and predicated broad support. The Camden

County Democrat said the bills will deal not only with children. He

said the increasing number of children diagnosed with autism since 1991

will soon begin aging out of the educational system. "An

upsurge in adults classified with autism is going to present new

challenges for the state and our communities," Roberts said. He said the bills in the package would: * Establish a statewide autism registry. * Train teachers in autism awareness. * Create a task force on adult autism. * Require autism awareness training for emergency personnel. * Provide more money for the Governor's Council on Autism, which spend $4 million per year. * Instruct doctors in early detection. * Revise the seven-person Governor's Council on Autism to add two more members and diversify membership. Autism

is a complex disorder usually not diagnosed in children until after age

3. It's characterized by a range of behaviors, including difficulty in

expressing needs and inability to socialize. Its cause isn't known. Researchers have said they don't know why the rate was so high in New Jersey.

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