Panel Urges Overhaul of State Autism Services

A state advisory group is calling on California lawmakers to pursue legislation to address the state's increasing population of people with autism, especially as a large number of such people prepare to move into community settings, MediaNews/San Jose Mercury News reports.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the nation, with the incidence of the condition jumping by more than 600% in recent years, according to MediaNews/Mercury News.

In its report to the Legislature, the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism recommends that the state:

• Expand efforts to diagnose autism early;
• Bolster education services for people with autism;
• Develop regulations to guarantee that appropriate health insurance coverage is available;
• Undertake a public awareness campaign about autism; and
• Work to educate judges and law enforcement officers about the disorder to help ensure appropriate treatment of autistic people in the criminal justice system.