Lawmakers address autism.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS

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As many as 560,000 people under age 21 (one in 150 8-year-olds) Lave autism. Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication, which usually begin before age 3. Although there is no cure, early treatment can significantly improve the symptoms.

As the number of children diagnosed with autism increases, so does the debate in state legislatures about the responsibilities of school systems, health insurers or others in providing care and treatment.

In legislative sessions so far this year, almost 500 bills have been considered in 47 states and Puerto Rico to address a broad range of autism issues, such as education, professional training, study commissions, financing, health services and screening. As of early June, almost 60 bills had been enacted in 25 states and Puerto Rico.

Lawmakers in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota and North Dakota created a task force, council or commission to study the issues. New funds in Oklahoma will establish an early behavioral intervention program for children with autism. Texas established a...