To that end, she is fighting for a bill that would help autistic children statewide. If the bill passes it would provide opening costs for two public education centers and create a state-supported commission to serve as a clearinghouse on the disorder. The centers also would offer counseling services and support groups for the families, who often feel inadequate in the fight against autism. The only services out there are a hodgepodge with little communication between agencies. It can be incredibly frustrating.
Many states have commissions, including California.
The commissions do everything from tracking the number of cases statewide to handling applications for studies, grants and special funding. Getting the state to acknowledge us is a step in the right direction. Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto, D-Las Vegas, sponsor of Assembly Bill 635, said Nevada needs to raise basic standards for social services. The legislation is awaiting review in the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee, where it was sent because of the funding request it contains. And in the case of children with autism, we're neglecting the citizens who are least able to speak up for themselves.