HOUSE MEMORIAL 25

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Rhonda S. King

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A REGISTRY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM.

     WHEREAS, autism is a neurobiological disorder that interferes with the normal development of communication and social interaction skills; and

     WHEREAS, autism is the second most common developmental disability and is seen in all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups throughout the world; and

     WHEREAS, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability, with a ninety-billion-dollar ($90,000,000,000) annual cost; and

     WHEREAS, the cost of lifelong care for individuals with autism may be reduced by two-thirds with early diagnosis and intervention; and

     WHEREAS, early autism diagnosis and intervention is instrumental in determining success; and

     WHEREAS, children up to age three may receive an interdisciplinary diagnosis through the department of health's family infant toddler program; and

     WHEREAS, the center for development and disability at the university of New Mexico health sciences center began its interdisciplinary clinic in 1993 to provide autism diagnosis; and

     WHEREAS, because of a lack of funding, the waiting list for the center for development and disability interdisciplinary clinic is as long as eighteen months, which further delays appropriate intervention; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has no central registry for individuals with autism, making it difficult to determine the amount of funding needed for services;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative health and human services committee study the feasibility of establishing a central registry for individuals with autism; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative health and human services committee study the feasibility of the center for development and disability, the department of health's family infant toddler program, the public education department and the legislative education study committee collaborating to develop a "one stop shop" to coordinate all necessary autism specialists to evaluate a child in one setting and to develop a comprehensive plan of action for early intervention; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council, the center for development and disability, the department of health, the public education department and the legislative education study committee.

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