2005 Rhode Island Code - § 23-79-3 — Legislative findings.

    It is hereby found and declared as follows:

   (a) Autism is a significant neurological disorder that is a threat to the development of children. Autism Spectrum Disorder ("ASD") has rapidly increased in diagnosis over the past decade.

   (b) The incidence of autism spectrum disorder continues to increase at a dramatic rate. In 1992, one in ten thousand (10,000) children were diagnosed with "ASD". By 2003, one in one hundred fifty-seven (157) children was diagnosed with this disorder.

   (c) "ASD" exacts an enormous economic toll on society, including the public school system and family finances.

   (d) Medical and psychological experts still do not know the causes of "ASD", prevention of "ASD" or unified strategies dealing with children and adults afflicted with such disorder.

   (e) The State of Rhode Island must take the lead in combating the increasingly rapid problems associated with "ASD" and the current treatments and strategies.

   (f) It is the intent of the legislature in enacting this chapter to reinforce screening for children who are uninsured and/or underinsured through the Rhode Island department of health with assistance from experts, service providers and parents.

   (g) It is the further intent of the general assembly, subject to appropriation and/or the receipt of other resources designated for these purposes, to authorize the Rhode Island department of health to provide appropriate testing and screening models to determine a proper diagnosis of "ASD" and to create a case management system to properly catalogue such diagnosis.

   (h) In addition, subject to appropriation and/or the receipt of other resources designated for these purposes, this chapter shall authorize programs of outreach, education, increased awareness and cultural competence to the statewide community.