For families of children with autism, timely treatments and support can be a challenge. Senate Bill 112 aims to change that, offering critical funding for screenings, therapy and specialized programs that could transform lives.
SB 112 also proposes a new initiative called the Early Steps Extended Option. This would enable the Department of Health to extend services beyond federal funding limitations, ensuring that children with autism receive uninterrupted support, mainly as talks have emerged about the Department of Education scaling back its involvement in autism-related programs.
Kenya Lewis, a Florida mother of a 5-year-old with autism, shared her thoughts on the potential impact of this bill on families like hers.
“As a parent, finding services and programs that cater to my child’s needs has been tough,” Lewis said. “Senate Bill 112 gives me hope because it directly addresses issues we face every day – lack of access to timely screenings and treatment services, as well as financial barriers to necessary therapies.”
SB 112 says the Department of Health shall implement the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program.
“The purpose of the program is to expand access to no-cost health care screenings or services for the general public facilitated by nonprofit entities,” SB 112 reads.
One of the bill’s primary provisions is the authorization of the University of Florida’s Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment to fund specialized summer programs tailored to children with autism spectrum disorder.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 36 children has been identified with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
While boys are diagnosed more frequently, the gap between boys and girls is narrowing, and the prevalence rates have increased in recent years.
Lewis believes that specialized summer programs funded by the University of Florida’s Center for Autism would also give her child vital opportunities to interact with others in a supportive environment.
“These programs could help my child with social skills and communication, which is critical for her development,” Lewis said. “Accessing these resources without worrying about affordability would make a huge difference for our family.”
SB 112 is sponsored by Senator Gayle Harrell, a member of the Republican Party from Florida’s District 31. Senator Harrell introduced this bill to address the growing need for autism-related services across the state, aiming to improve the lives of children and their families.
Harrell is in active discussions with the Florida House of Representatives, where it is being carefully reviewed and considered. If it gains approval in the House, it could soon move forward in the legislative process, potentially becoming law.
Randy Maggard, a Republican state representative from District 54, introduced SB 112 companion House Bill 591. HB 591 was added to the Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee agenda.
Advocates are hopeful that with continued support from lawmakers and various advocacy groups, the bill will pass through the final stages of approval, bringing much-needed resources and support to families of children with autism across the state.
The bill’s progress marks an essential step toward addressing the gap in autism services, but its success hinges on the final votes in the both chambers.