In an article by Margie Menzel, published on March 14, 2025, it is reported that the Florida Senate has unanimously passed a comprehensive bill aimed at improving the lives of children with autism and their families. The bill focuses on increasing early detection and intervention, as well as filling gaps in educational opportunities. According to Stuart Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell, Florida has more than 20,000 preschoolers and over 66,000 schoolchildren diagnosed with autism. Harrell emphasizes the importance of the bill, stating, “Is it adequate? Is it enough? Are we really doing what the state of Florida needs to do to diagnose, treat and provide services to individuals with autism? And this bill is the next step – an amazing, big step”.
Amy Wetherby, director of the Autism Institute at Florida State University, highlights the historical context of autism prevalence, noting that before 1970, autism was considered rare. The passage of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975 significantly impacted the understanding and prevalence of autism. Wetherby states, “Before that time, principals of a school could literally send a child home and say to the parent, ‘Your child’s too difficult. We can’t educate your child. Take him home,’” but the law mandated free and appropriate education for all. Today, autism is considered to affect one in 36 people, and Wetherby believes this is likely an underestimate.
The bill promotes collaboration with various entities that provide autism research and services, including the Centers for Autism and Related Disorders, FSU’s Autism Institute, and the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System. It also involves the state Agency for Persons With Disabilities, Department of Health, Department of Education, and Department of Children & Families.
For more information, check out CDC plans to study potential link between vaccines and autism.