Alabama Interagency Council on Autism

On May 27, 2008, the Alabama House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 3 that created the Alabama Interagency Council on Autism. Shortly thereafter the Senate adopted the same resolution unanimously before being signed into law by Governor Bob Riley. The resolution, also known as the Riley Ward Autism Support Act, had several legislative findings.

In part the Act declared that the Legislature hereby finds and declares the following:

The Center for Disease Control estimates that nationally 1 in 150 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Current Studies indicate taht ASD can often be detected by the age of three years and in some cases as early as 18 months.
Early intervention can produce improved outcomes.
These complex disorders are usually of lifelong duration and affect multiple aspects of development, learning, and adaptation in the community.
There is an urgent and substantial need to develop and implement a statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of care for individuals with ASD and their families.

This Act went on to establish an interagency coordinating council made up of 25 different stakeholders from throughout state government and the private sector. The purpose of this council is to create a coordinated effort in working with those who have ASD.