Florida Senate Unveils Proposal to Enhance Services for Children with Autism

The Florida Senate, led by Senate President Ben Albritton, has introduced a significant proposal aimed at expanding support for children with autism and their families. The bill, SB 112, filed by Senator Gayle Harrell, builds on last year’s legislative efforts and proposes several key initiatives to improve access to healthcare, education, and other services for children with autism.

One of the bill’s highlights is an expansion of the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program. The program, which previously covered screenings for a range of conditions, will now include autism screenings, referrals, and related services. This expansion is part of a broader effort to improve early detection and intervention for children with autism. The bill’s expansion of the program builds on its original establishment last year through the Live Healthy Act, a priority of then-Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.

In addition to healthcare services, SB 112 also creates two education-related grant programs: one for specialized summer programs tailored for children with autism, and another aimed at supporting charter schools exclusively serving students with autism. The University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment will oversee these programs, ensuring they provide services like behavioral and social skill development, therapies, and family support.

The bill also introduces an Early Steps Extended Option, allowing children with developmental delays to continue receiving services from the Early Steps Program until they turn four. This extension is intended to provide additional support to children as they transition into formal schooling.

Senate President Ben Albritton emphasized the importance of parental involvement in the decision-making process, telling the Florida Phoenix, “We have heard a lot of discussion and theories about the root causes of autism. I don’t have those answers, but I do know more and more families across our state are dealing with challenges and can use our support. This bill offers new support from all angles, coordinating research and training, expanding early detection, and increasing education opportunities and other treatment services that help families facing a diagnosis of autism. As always, parents are in control and equipped to make the best decisions to help children reach their full potential.”

As SB 112 moves forward, funding for the proposed programs will be negotiated as part of next year’s budget, with no House companion yet filed. The bill reflects a concerted effort to ensure that Florida’s children with autism have access to the resources they need to thrive, with a focus on early intervention, year-round care, and educational opportunities.