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Jul 24, 2008 9:27 am US/Eastern

Governor Paterson Signs Bill For Autism Guidelines

Legislation Would Require State Health Department To Update Pediatrician Guidelines

NEW YORK (AP) ― Governor Paterson has signed legislation to require the state Health Department to update guidelines used by pediatricians to identify children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and refer them for services.

Health officials say the developmental disabilities are typically diagnosed early, and often are associated with mental retardation. Those affected often have difficulty relating and responding to persons, events or objects, and engage in repetitive behaviors or exhibit preoccupation with narrow interests. The severity varies.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASD's affect one in every 150 children in some communities. The bill requires the Health Department to establish best practices for early screening.

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: Governor Paterson has signed legislation to require the state Health Department to update guidelines used by pediatricians to identify children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and refer them for services.
AP