DOVER, Del. (AP) - The state Senate has passed and sent to the House legislation overhauling the way Delaware serves students with autism spectrum disorders.
One of two bills passed Thursday revises the Delaware Autism Program to make better use of local programs and to expand parental input. It also authorizes new training specialist positions, currently estimated at 15, to help teachers and other school staff working with autistic students. The bill requires at least one training specialist for every 100 students classified with autism spectrum disorder. The positions would be subject to available funding from the state and from local school districts.
A companion piece of legislation establishes a framework through which training and technical assistance would be provided by a new Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism at the University of Delaware.
