SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 11

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Clinton D. Harden

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO STUDY AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND TO DETERMINE HOW TO PROVIDE BEST PRACTICE SERVICES TO ALL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

     WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorders are neurobiological disorders that interfere with the normal development of communication, behavior, learning and social interaction skills; and

     WHEREAS, the United States centers for disease control and prevention reports that autism spectrum disorders are the second most common type of developmental disability and are seen in all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups throughout the world; and

     WHEREAS, the autism society of America reports that autism spectrum disorders are the fastest growing developmental disability, with an annual cost of ninety billion dollars ($90,000,000,000); and

     WHEREAS, experts attest that the cost of lifelong care for an individual with an autism spectrum disorder may be reduced by two-thirds with early diagnosis, intervention and education; and

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

     WHEREAS, the national research council report on Educating Children with Autism recommends, as a best practice, teaching individuals with autism a minimum of twenty-five hours per week through active engagement begun as early as possible; and

     WHEREAS, children with autism need specialized teaching methods; and

     WHEREAS, the usual teaching methods that work with other students, including students with other disabilities, are not necessarily successful with students with autism; and

     WHEREAS, specialized training is needed for school personnel working with children with autism; and

     WHEREAS, children with autism are all different and require an individualized approach with a menu of programs available;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department conduct a study to determine how to provide best practice services to all children with autism in the public schools through the use of highly qualified New Mexico autism specialists in the development and implementation of the individualized education plans of all students with an autism spectrum disorder statewide; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department develop a written plan for showing steps on how the public education department will work actively, collaboratively and cooperatively with other state agencies, groups and stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the department of health, the human services department, the children, youth and families department, the autism task force, the New Mexico developmental disabilities planning council, the behavioral health planning council of New Mexico, the New Mexico autism society and the autism programs at the university of New Mexico center for development and disability in order to develop and implement appropriate systems of care for all students with autism spectrum disorder; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department report its findings, including the written plan, to the legislative education study committee by September 30, 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretaries of health, human services and children, youth and families and to representatives from the autism task force, the New Mexico developmental disabilities planning council, the behavioral health planning council of New Mexico, the New Mexico autism society and the autism programs at the university of New Mexico center for development and disability.

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