New Jersey has laws that require physicians to register those they diagnose with autism. Why such a high rate in the state of New Jersey? When there are dramatically different rates then the enviornment has to be implicated in addition to genetics. See the following article:
” A FLURRY of legislation was signed during former Gov. Jon Corzine’s last days in office, including two important autism bills: anti-discrimination legislation for people with autism and the opening of the autism registry to adults.
New Jersey has the highest autism rate in the country — 1 in 94 — and in the past three years, six other laws relating to autism were enacted. One, requiring that state-regulated health insurers cover medically necessary treatments, starts on Feb. 10.
Eight laws in three years is commendable. We urge the new governor and reorganized Legislature to continue that important work.
Autism is not one but a range of developmental disorders that are usually diagnosed around age 3. The cause is not fully understood, although scientists think complex genetic factors play a key role, as well as environmental factors. The disorder can range from mild to severe and from one symptom to many.
The autism registry started in 2007 and requires doctors who diagnose a child with autism to report it. Expanding the autism registry to include adults, who will voluntarily report themselves, will help the state develop better adult programs and provide a clearer picture of the range and scope of the disorder.
Advocates say the federal Americans with Disabilities Act has weakened over the last decade, and people with autism have not always been thoroughly protected. The new legislation expands the state’s anti-discrimination law to specifically include people with autism spectrum disorders. That means, for example, people with autism cannot be turned away from movie theaters or swimming pools.
Families of children with autism go through difficult years of grappling with the diagnosis, understanding their children’s needs and putting together the best education plan for them. It is an expensive, lonely and uncertain period for parents, especially since they’re dealing with a disorder we don’t fully understand. Then there’s the future. Parents worry about their kids growing up and government-mandated help running out.
Assemblywoman Joan Voss, D-Fort Lee, and Assemblyman Gary Schaer, D-Passaic, reintroduced a bill this month to create a state autism Web site. It would include information about the disorder and how to contact the Early Intervention Program. It’s a good start.
