State Senator introduces bill requiring an autistic spectrum disorder screening for kids entering grade school

 A Nebraska State Senator is proposing a bill that would target an issue many families face. Children going years without their parents or teachers knowing they were on the autism spectrum.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Nebraska State Senator is proposing a bill that would target an issue many families face. Children going years without their parents or teachers knowing they were on the autism spectrum.

The lack of intervention is the reason Senator Jen Day has proposed LB997, a bill that would require children to be screened for autism before they enter the school system.

The bill would require a simple screening from a physician who would then send the child to a professional trained in diagnosing ASD if symptoms were detected. It would also offer an opt out if the child’s physician didn’t see a need for additional screening.

In a hearing on Tuesday, the bill garnered support from not only parents and doctors but also adults who were diagnosed late in life with ASD. However, senator day does face some opposition.

While none spoke at the hearing, she has already heard from some school districts who believe it will be just another requirement for parents to deal with. dDy says this is the least we could do to help these children.