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FLORIDA - A recently signed Florida law aims to improve early intervention and educational opportunities for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Governor Ron DeSantis approved Senate Bill 112, which extends the Early Steps program to serve eligible children until age four, instead of the previous cutoff at three.
Early Steps provides early intervention services to children with developmental delays.
The legislation also establishes grant programs to support the creation of charter schools exclusively for students with autism and funds specialized summer programs and camps.
Additionally, the law designates the University of Florida's Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as the state's coordinating hub for autism research, services, and best practices.
Nicole Clark, CEO and co-founder of the Adult and Pediatric Institute, a psychiatric practice specializing in autism, expressed support for the new law.
As a mother of two children on the autism spectrum, Clark tells WESH 2 News the importance of increased resources and research to support families navigating special needs parenting.
While acknowledging the law as a positive step, Clark highlighted the need for long-term, sustainable solutions to support children with autism and their families.
Senate Bill 112 passed unanimously in both the Florida House and Senate and is set to take effect on July 1st.