Marie Bilik Named Executive Director of NJSBA

Arts Education Improves, Study Finds

Governor Signs Autism Bills

Ethics Commission Decides Cases About Threats, Privileges

Important Workshop Housing Deadline Approaching

Slow Census Response Delays Membership Cards

Meeting Notice: NJSBA Resolutions Subcommittee

Job Opening: Legislative Coordinator/Advocacy Programs

Calendar

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Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a package of bills last week to address autism in New Jersey.

The governor signed A4055, which calls for teacher training in awareness and instruction methods of students with autism and other developmental disabilities. The state education commissioner will recommend ways to address issues such as characteristics of autistic students, curriculum planning, assistive technologies and inclusion.

Federal statistics say New Jersey has the highest autism rates in the nation. While experts estimate the national rate has increased to about 1 in 150 children, the incidence in New Jersey is about 1 in 95, according to the governor’s office.

Other bills signed by Corzine include:

• A4056 requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish a system of early intervention autism services;
  
  
• A4057 creates the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force to recommend methods to address problems that adults with autism face;
  
  
• S698 makes changes to the Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Infantile Autism, and renames it the Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism;
  
  
• A4059 extends funding for autism medical research and treatment;
  
  
• A2306 requires the state to maintain a registry of autism cases;
  
  
• A2291 establishes an Asperger’s Syndrome Pilot Initiative.