We support the autism commission as recommended by the BHC and the autism advisory committee

Please support the bill to advance the autism council to an autism commission. This will benefit directly our adult autism population, which struggles from a lack of resources and therapy professionals. The commission can hire staff to show the gaps in services, and then work to fill those gaps. This bill directly impacts many families in the Commonwealth. Thank you.

As a current member of the Autism Advisory Council, I support this bill that will replace the Council with an Autism Commission. The Council unanimously approved this bill at its last meeting. The commission is necessary for several reasons. The two most important reasons are (i) the needs of the autism community are unique and they are growing and require a focus that, to date, has not been fulfilled by any other commission; and (ii) this will require staff to really make a difference. On behalf of The Faison Center, were we serve children and adults of all ages all along the autism spectrum in our Behavioral Health Clinic, Schools and Adult residential and day programs, we strongly support this bill and respectfully request your support, as well.

Dear Members of the House Rules Committee, On behalf of Commonwealth Autism, I am writing to express our strong support for House Bill 1772 and the creation of the Autism Commission in Virginia. As the President and CEO of Commonwealth Autism, I see firsthand the urgent need for focused leadership and dedicated resources to address the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. Autism prevalence continues to rise at an unprecedented rate. According to the CDC, autism now affects 1 in 36 children, and the need for autism-specific resources within the larger developmental disability community has never been greater. Despite progress in services and support, families and providers still face significant gaps in access to care, early intervention, education, employment, and long-term services. An Autism Commission will ensure that Virginia remains proactive in addressing these needs. Unlike other broad disability initiatives, a commission dedicated to autism will bring specialized expertise, legislative focus, and sustainable funding strategies to the table. The challenges facing autistic individuals—including early diagnosis, access to evidence-based therapies, workforce development, and adult transition services—require targeted solutions that a commission can help shape and implement. Furthermore, autism is a lifelong condition. Many supports currently focus on children, but as autistic individuals grow into adulthood, the need for employment opportunities, independent living supports, and community-based services expands. Without a structured and coordinated effort, Virginia risks falling behind in ensuring that autistic individuals have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive. By establishing an Autism Commission, the General Assembly would be taking a critical step in prioritizing the needs of one of the fastest-growing disability populations in the Commonwealth. This commission will provide focus, attention, and resources to the pressing work ahead and will help ensure that Virginia is well-positioned to support autistic individuals at every stage of life. We urge you to support HB 1772 and take this important step toward a more inclusive and supportive future for individuals with autism and their families. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Tyler Hart President & CEO Commonwealth Autism

Greetings, I write today in support of HB1772/SB1232. I am Director of State Government Affairs for Autism Speaks, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. From my perspective as someone who advocates for the autism community across many states, and who studies national public policy trends on autism-related initiatives, HB1772/ SB1232 would well position Virginia lawmakers to respond to the growing needs of the autism community. A new study of electronic health records and insurance claims data from over 12.2 million people from 2011-22 shows that the number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased by 175% over a decade. This study offers insights into trends in autism diagnosis over time, and when paired with prevalence data from the CDC, offers valuable insight that can be used to better understand the demographics of the autism community and plan for their myriad of needs. Some of the most significant details from the study: * The increase in ASD diagnoses among young adults suggests that people may be going undiagnosed in childhood, only receiving a diagnosis in early adulthood when challenges in daily life become too difficult to manage. This trend highlights the importance of accessible diagnostic services across the lifespan and the need for age-appropriate interventions and supports for adults on the spectrum. * The results also showed that males are about three times more likely than females to get an autism diagnosis. However, the gap seems to be narrowing. Diagnosis rates rose by 305% among girls and 315% among women, compared to 185% among boys and 215% among men. This trend may reflect greater awareness of ASD signs in females, who may present differently from males. * Among racial and ethnic groups, ASD diagnosis rates rose significantly for minority children, though not for adults. For example, diagnosis rates among Hispanic children increased by 315%, compared to a 146% increase for non-Hispanic children. Rates among Black and Asian children also saw significant increases. These findings may reflect better access to diagnostic services within historically underserved communities. * Results showed that ASD prevalence was highest among children aged 5-8, reaching 30.3 per 1,000 children in 2022—about the same as the most recent CDC prevalence rate. Among adults, prevalence was notably low, particularly in those aged 45 and older. However, young adults aged 26-34 saw the sharpest rise in diagnoses, with rates increasing by 450% over the study period. I highlight this new information because it underscores the need for -- and importance of -- HB1772/ SB1232. The elevation of the Autism Advisory Council to an Autism Commission signals a commitment from Virginia lawmakers to improving public policy for the growing needs of the autism community. A commission's additional infrastructure, including dedicated staff would provide focused resources to address autism-specific challenges without diverting resources from other disability groups. This targeted approach is needed to ensure the complex needs of the autism population are effectively met and gaps in existing services are addressed. I encourage the members of the Rules Committee to support the creation of the Autism Commission as recommended by both the Behavioral Health Commission and the Autism Advisory Council. Thank you.

Comments Document

Please vote YES for HB1772 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of abilities, challenges, and co-occurring conditions that require targeted, nuanced support. Existing services for individuals with autism in Virginia are fragmented, requiring families to navigate a complex maze of systems with little coordination. A commission would focus on creating policies specifically designed to address these unique needs, ensuring resources and support systems are appropriately aligned. The numbers are only increasing along with the complexity of needs. Please support the Autism Commission and HB1772.

Please vote yes on HB1772. I am the father of a son who is autistic. We are very grateful to the Behavioral Health Commission and the Autism Advisory Council for recommending an Autism Commission. This bill is important to me because we have struggled with disproportionate responsibility on families and significant financial, emotional, and logistical burdens due to the high cost of therapies, inadequate public support, and limited respite care options. Becoming a Commission means there will be staff to assist with research on complex issues and look for data-driven answers. • Virginia's rates of autism are increasing rapidly and the population has complex and diverse needs. • Existing services do not adequately support many individuals with autism and their families • A Commission will allow for research of proven and effective methods to address autism-specific challenges. • Adult autistics often require job support, communication support, or more intensive levels of care in the community and the home. The needed support is non-existent and families are unable to access the services. Please vote yes

We are very grateful to the Behavioral Health Commission and the Autism Advisory Council for recommending an Autism Commission. I am a service provider to a wonderful group of adults who have Autism. While these people are "faceless" to you, I see their faces daily. I also see the faces of their caregivers that are trying to make sense of the current systems we have in place. This bill is important to me because I have witnessed the disproportionate responsibility on families and significant financial, emotional, and logistical burdens due to the high cost of therapies, inadequate public support, and limited respite care options. Virginia's rates of autism are increasing rapidly and the population has complex and diverse needs. Adult autistics often require job support, communication support, or more intensive levels of care in the community and the home. The needed support is non-existent and families are unable to access the services. Families with a Medicaid Waiver are having services cut because the funds have not been allocated for providers. Becoming a Commission means there will be staff to assist with research on complex issues and look for data-driven answers. Please Vote YES on HB1772 Thank you

The Autism Commission would enable dedicated attention to autism, which currently is addressed frequently under the behavioral health commission A distinct commission would allow state dollars to better serve not only those with autism, who present with unique complexities and support needs often above and beyond other forms of developmental disabilities, but also those with behavioral health concerns. It would additionally support increased efforts across the state to support all individuals with developmental disabilities.

Persons with autism have complex and diverse needs which current Commonwealth legislation, policies and DD waiver services have made little progress in addressing. Autism is a spectrum disorder that ranges from very high functioning individuals who are capable of attending college, participating in the workforce and leading relatively normal lives with minor accommodations to individuals who are nonverbal, intellectually disabled, engage in self-injurious behavior and have major behavioral issues. I am the parent of a 30 year old son with profound autism who is functionally nonverbal, incapable of engaging in competitive employment and has significant behavioral challenges. He has a Community Living (CL) Waiver, but current services and DBHDS policies do not adequately address his needs or allow him to lead a safe and productive life. But as badly as the Commonwealth is failing my son, there are many persons with autism who are in far worse condition, especially those on the DD waiver waitlist. A Commission will ensure that state of the art research is available that informs legislators and executive branch agencies with the basis for developing evidence based, proven and effective methodologies to address autism-specific challenges. It will also enhance the overall coordination and cooperation among the various autism and developmental disability advocate organizations. Most importantly, it will ensure that parent/guardian/caregiver concerns are heard and incorporated in the development of future legislation and executive agency policies.

Please support the establishment of the Autism Commission as it would provide the additional infrastructure needed to actually make meaningful changes for the autistic community. With a dedicated staff to do research and analysis and gather input and stakeholder feedback, the commission could help legislators make evidence-based decisions. A commission would also create more diverse representation through subcommittees with additional legislators, self-advocates, family members, clinicians, autism advocacy organizations, school representatives, and many more. This commission was also a recommendation from both the Behavioral Health Commission and the Autism Advisory Council. Please support HB1772!

Dear Committee, This commission is vitally important to provide the Autism Community the ability to most effectively address our needs. As an Autistic Adult it is vitally important to me that we have people who are dedicated to our community to provide guidance on the best course of action. Thank you for your time.

Please vote for our Autism Advisory Council to become a Commission with paid staff. The staff will be able to work full time to fill those gaps and needs for us that continue to grow. To include education, healthcare, employment, housing and independent living supports. I feel the Autism Advisory Commission can be that added support that we need so all of our needs can be met as best as possible, and we can all be whatever is the best of who we can be.

As a non-profit provider of services to individuals across the autism spectrum of all ages; in particular, to a number of individuals profoundly impacted by their autism diagnosis, I am in touch to ask that you all vote YES on HB 1772. I am grateful to the Behavioral Health Commission and the Autism Advisory Council for recommending an Autism Commission. This bill is important for a variety of reasons, some of which include the increasing prevalence of autism, discoordination of various initiatives across the Commonwealth, and the lack of efforts geared towards better supporting those with profound autism. Becoming a Commission means there will be staff to assist with research on complex issues and look for data-driven answers. Thank you for voting YES on HB 1772.

Please vote yes on HB1772 (https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1772) We are very grateful to the Behavioral Health Commission and the Autism Advisory Council for recommending an Autism Commission. A Commission without staff cannot address these complex issues. Becoming a Commission means there will be staff to assist with research on complex issues and look for data-driven answers. Virginia's rates of autism are increasing rapidly and the population has complex and diverse needs. Existing services do not adequately support many individuals with autism and their families A Commission will allow for research of proven and effective methods to address autism-specific challenges. Collaboration with others in the Developmental Disabilities community will ensure everyone has input. Adult autistics often require job support, communication support, or more intensive levels of care in the community and the home. The needed support is non-existent and families are unable to access the services. Families with a Medicaid Waiver are having services cut because the funds have not been allocated for providers. Families support their loved ones at home for as long as they can without calling for help because the current system is abusive and causes lifelong trauma. Please vote yes on HB1772

Please vote yes on HB1772 (Link for the language of the bill) We are very grateful to the Behavioral Health Commission and the Autism Advisory Council for recommending an Autism Commission. IMPORTANT to tell them to KEEP Staff for the Commission. A Commission without staff cannot address these complex issues. Becoming a Commission means there will be staff to assist with research on complex issues and look for data-driven answers. Expanded Comment Ideas Virginia's rates of autism are increasing rapidly and the population has complex and diverse needs. Existing services do not adequately support many individuals with autism and their families A Commission will allow for research of proven and effective methods to address autism-specific challenges. Collaboration with others in the Developmental Disabilities community will ensure everyone has input. Families support their loved ones at home for as long as they can without calling for help because the current system is abusive and causes lifelong trauma. Adult autistics often require job support, communication support, or more intensive levels of care in the community and the home. The needed support is non-existent and families are unable to access the services. Families with a Medicaid Waiver are having services cut because the funds have not been allocated for providers.