Rep. Bradley Appointed to State Autism Commission; Files Legislation

April 11, 2011

(State House, Boston) – Representative Garrett J. Bradley, D-Hingham, was recently appointed by House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop, to the 31-member Autism Commission, which was established last year.  Rep. Bradley has also filed four bills for this legislative session relating to the diagnosis, reporting and treatment of Autism-related disorders.

Rep. Bradley said, “The underlying purpose of these legislative proposals is to raise public awareness, work to identify and diagnose Autistic disorders, and provide assistance to children and adults living with the disorder, while we work to find better treatments and possibly a cure.  We want to give residents and their families living with Autism and related disorders every possible opportunity to pursue their life’s goals in a positive and supportive environment.”

One of the bills, H.1856, would require the state Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education to work with parents, advocates, educators, service providers and others to support and increase the number of people trained to address Autism spectrum disorder issues.  This legislation was filed and supported by more than two dozen House colleagues during last session.

Another legislative proposal, H.2338, requires a medical professional or other person who professionally examines or treats a person with Autism to report the exam or treatment to the state Department of Public Health in accordance with rules and regulations.  Such reports would be confidential and could not be released by the Department without written permission.  The records could only be released to researchers without having identifying information.

House Bill 2632 would establish an Autism license plate for an additional fee, with the proceeds from the sale being deposited into an Autism Trust Fund to fund various autism services.

The fourth Autism-related bill filed for this session, H.3104, would establish a two-year pilot program for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, utilizing an advisory board of community professionals to provide technical assistance.  The goal of the program would be to provide services leading to paid, customized and sustainable employment.  The program would supplement existing Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission funding and include post- and re-employment support as needed, such as career assessment and counseling, job development, placement and coaching, employment training, and other job-related services.

Rep. Bradley has worked for a number of years on Autism related issues and legislation.  In 2009, he was named Legislator of the Year by the organization Autism for Autism of Massachusetts.