2005 Rhode Island Code - § 23-79-2 — Legislative purpose and policy.

    Autism Spectrum Disorders ("ASD") is a neurological disorder that affects one in one hundred fifty-seven (157) children within the state of Rhode Island as of the enactment of this law. In 1992, this disorder affected one in ten thousand (10,000) children nationally. Modern scientific and neurological studies have not identified any one factor contributing to the increase in diagnosis. Early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies greatly assists in the assistance to children with autism. The Rhode Island general assembly declares "ASD" to be a matter of public health and urgency to assist children and adults affected with this disorder and hereby creates the "Rhode Island Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation and Treatment Act."