SENATE MEMORIAL 79

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT AND DISABILITY TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUTH AND ADULTS IN NEW MEXICO WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.

     WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder is the name for a group of serious neurodevelopmental disorders that impair a person's ability to communicate and interact with others; and

     WHEREAS, autism spectrum disorder also includes restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests and activities, and these issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning; and

     WHEREAS, the legislature has partnered with state agencies and groups to make significant progress in developing and implementing programs for children with autism spectrum disorder; and

     WHEREAS, there are not yet specific programs in New Mexico to meet the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder; and

     WHEREAS, there is a need for state agencies and other interested parties to study ways to develop and implement programs for older youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the autism programs at the university of New Mexico center for development and disability be requested to convene a task force to study ways to develop and implement programs for older youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force be requested to develop an action plan to determine funding priorities for youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder that uses applied behavioral analysis and other evidence-based interventions that result in: 

          A. a new medicaid behavioral health benefit specifically for adults with autism spectrum disorder;

          B. a plan for developing in-state resources and procedures for youth with autism spectrum disorder;

          C. development of expedited developmental disabilities waiver criteria for youth and adults discharging from residential treatment; and

          D. development of programs for youth and adults who do not meet the criteria for the developmental disabilities waiver; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the director of the autism

programs at the university of New Mexico center for development and disability be requested to include participants in the task force from the department of health; the human services department; the children, youth and families department; the public education department; the developmental disabilities planning council; centennial care managed care organizations; the New Mexico autism society; the New Mexico association for behavior analysis; and disability rights New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force also be requested to include participation from families of adults with autism spectrum disorder, self-advocates and other appropriate entities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force be requested to present its recommendations to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee by November 30, 2017; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of the university of New Mexico; the director of the autism programs of the university of New Mexico center for development and disability; the secretary of health; the secretary of human services; the secretary of children, youth and families; the secretary of public education; the developmental disabilities planning council; centennial care managed care organizations; the New Mexico autism society; the New Mexico association for behavior analysis; disability rights New Mexico; the chair of the legislative health and human services department; and the chair of the legislative finance committee.

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