This month, families of autistic individuals, advocates and other organizations will gather together to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. My great-niece and great-nephew have been diagnosed with autism, so I understand the importance of increasing awareness and understanding about autism and its affects on families and our communities.
Here in the Legislature, members are continuing to examine ways we can assist autistic individuals and their families. As a co-chair of the Autism Caucus in the Ohio General Assembly, I am committed to helping my colleagues become more familiar with autism and the autism-related issues facing individuals with autism and their families when looking for and accessing services. Bringing together lawmakers, advocates and providers in this way will be beneficial as we seek to improve services for persons with autism and their families in Ohio.
I am pleased to say we have already made some great strides in this area. Legislators passed the Autism Scholarship Program in 2005 to provide parents of autistic children with more choices in choosing the best educational opportunities for their child, and Senator Shannon Jones has introduced a bill that would include those diagnosed with autism in Ohio’s laws governing the use of assistance dogs.
Autism is a complex disorder, and those affected should be able to take full advantage of the many therapy and educational options available in order to determine which ones best meet their needs. My colleagues and I in the Ohio General Assembly will continue to work on legislation that benefits those with autism as well as their families and caregivers.
- Tom Patton
Ohio State Senator
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