A Republican Senator introduced legislation on Wednesday designed to improve support services for children with autism and their families by expanding early detection efforts, intervention programs, and creating a centralized hub for research and training.

The bill, filed by Sen. Gayle Harrell, includes measures to expand autism screening and early intervention services, extend eligibility for early childhood services, and develop specialized educational and summer programs for children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, the bill would designate the University of Florida’s Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as the main coordinating body for autism-related research and services throughout the state.

The measure also seeks to broaden the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to offer free screenings, referrals, and services for autism spectrum disorder. These services will be promoted through the Live Healthy online portal, which will grant families resources to find no-cost screenings and support services in their area.

“We know early detection and intervention services promote positive outcomes for infants, toddlers, and children with a disability or developmental delay. Under this legislation, parents will have the opportunity to continue critical early intervention services provided through the Early Steps Program until their child turns four and begins receiving services provided through the school district,” said Harrell. “Continuing to develop reading, language, and math skills will help children prepare for school and make the transition easier. Additionally, by developing summer programs designed specifically for children with autism, we can help parents find summer camps and other activities that can accommodate the specific needs of a child with autism, ensuring year-round continuity of care.”

Harrell’s bill additionally directs the Florida Department of Health to seek federal approval to extend the Early Steps Program eligibility from age three to age four. The program provides intervention services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays. If approved, families would be able to continue receiving services before transitioning to school-based programs, with additional components focusing on school readiness and skills like behavioral therapy, language, and numeracy.

Under SB 112, the University of Florida’s Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment would be officially designated as a statewide hub for autism-related services and research. The center would collaborate with state agencies, medical institutions, and autism research organizations to streamline services, promote public awareness of autism, develop best practices for screening and therapy, and oversee specialized summer programs. It would also manage startup grants for autism-specific charter schools and publish an annual report on its activities, outcomes, and funding beginning in August 2026.

“We have heard a lot of discussion and theories about the root causes of autism. I don’t have those answers, but I do know more and more families across our state are dealing with challenges and can use our support,” said Senate President Ben Albritton, who has committed to supporting the legislation. “This bill offers new support from all angles, coordinating research and training, expanding early detection, and increasing education opportunities and other treatment services that help families facing a diagnosis of autism. As always, parents are in control and equipped to make the best decisions to help children reach their full potential.”

To address the lack of structured activities for children with autism during the summer, the bill also creates a grant program to support specialized summer programs. These programs would focus on developing social and behavioral skills, providing therapy-based support, offering recreational activities tailored to autism, and holding family training workshops. The UF Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment would oversee the eligibility and administration of these programs.

Additionally, the bill includes a grant program to support charter schools specifically for children with autism, prioritizing those in rural and underserved areas. The grants could be used to acquire or renovate school facilities, develop specialized curricula, and hire or train staff with experience working with students on the autism spectrum. The UF Center would be responsible for evaluating grant applications and distributing funds, subject to available state budget appropriations.

To enhance classroom support for students with autism, the bill directs the UF Center to develop a no-cost autism micro-credential for teachers. This credential would cover areas such as identifying autism-related behaviors, using assistive technologies, and applying evidence-based instructional strategies.