Rochelle's autism bill receives bipartisan support in the House

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - Legislation proposed by state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, received unanimous bipartisan approval Wednesday by the House of Representatives. 

H.B. 6184, An Act Concerning Access to Information on Early Childhood Interventions, will next be voted on by the Senate. 

The bill will require: (1) the Office of Early Childhood to develop a document concerning developmental milestones experienced by children from birth to age five and information on how to access the Child Development Infoline; and (2) child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes to post copies of such document on the premises of such centers and homes in a prominent location for parents or guardians to see regularly.

“Signs of autism are often present as early as 18 months of age and early intervention can make a big difference for children on the spectrum,” Rochelle said. “I was focused on creating a bill that will foster awareness amongst child care providers and parents about early childhood developmental milestones and what to do if a child is struggling to hit milestones. The first step to getting a child help is knowledge.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 59 children was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2018. 

“I heard concerns from our local educators that more children must be evaluated for early intervention earlier than kindergarten," Rochelle said. "It is scientifically shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcome for children with autism and other developmental delays.

"Thank you to all my legislative colleagues and advocates who helped this bill move forward.”  

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.