Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara addressed members of New York State’s NEW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Advisory Board today for their first official meeting at the State Capitol. This new initiative is the first of its kind in New York State was created by the legislation (Ch. 469 of 2016) authored as part of Assemblyman Santabarbara’s Autism Action NY initiative in the State Assembly. The measure established a the first New York State Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board to develop, implement and update a state-wide Autism Action Plan, incorporate new information as it becomes available, and create a central location where available services can be found. Members of the ASD board are made up of those affected by autism, professionals in the field and related state agencies.

“Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the country, and there is a crisis for support services that needs immediate attention,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, whose now 15-year-old son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. “I’m so very pleased to see the successful implementation of this critical piece of my Autism Action NY initiative, creating New York State’s first Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board to develop, implement and update a statewide Autism Action Plan, incorporate new information as it becomes available, and to create a central location for services,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “This important new initiative has the potential to lead the way on finding solutions to the challenges families affected by autism face each day,” Santabarbara said. “I look forward to seeing individuals affected by autism and those with professional expertise come together through the Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board and helping it achieve its goal through the creation and administration of the most effective service delivery models and the development of resources to support people on the autism spectrum – from childhood to adulthood.” Assemblyman Santabarbara added. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to so many for the on-going support to help make this possible here in New York.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 68 children are born with autism each year in the United States and more than 3.5 million Americans are living with an autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence is even higher in boys where 1 in 45 are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In the State Assembly, Santabarbara serves as Chair of the State Assembly’s Sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Continued efforts to advance the conversation on autism related issues in New York State led to Santabarbara’s Autism Action NY initiative in 2015, which includes a series of bills aimed at increasing employment opportunities; expanding independent housing options; improving access to technology; communication; and, creating a centralized location for available services.