ENROLLED
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 222
BY REPRESENTATIVES EDMONSTON, CHASSION, AND KNOX
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a review of factors
affecting children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in this
state and their families.
WHEREAS, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, ASD is a
neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact, communicate,
learn, and behave with others; and
WHEREAS, there are many determining symptoms for an ASD diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, ASD symptoms include but are not limited to difficulties with social
interaction and communication, issues with transitioning from one activity to another,
problems with focusing on certain details, and unusual reactions to sensations; and
WHEREAS, children who are diagnosed with ASD often experience various health-
related conditions which include but are not limited to epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and
WHEREAS, between 2000 and 2020, one in thirty-six children were diagnosed with
ASD; and
WHEREAS, statistically, the amount of grade school children diagnosed with ASD
has risen in recent years; and
WHEREAS, as a result, family members, caretakers, and educators of children with
ASD have been impacted by the increased needs that caring for a child with ASD presents;
and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, only
twenty-one percent of those with disabilities like ASD were employed; and
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WHEREAS, additionally, males are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed
with ASD than females while the statistics of children diagnosed with ASD remains to be
genetically diverse; and
WHEREAS, this data-based diversity indicates that genetics do not account for all
instances of ASD; and
WHEREAS, the increased prevalence of ASD in certain socioeconomic
demographics and geographic locations has also generated great interest in the potential
involvement of environmental factors and toxicants in our environment; and
WHEREAS, the role of environmental factors and toxicants in the development of
ASD is critical, because environmental factors impact epigenetics significantly and influence
the risk for developing ASD; and
WHEREAS, ASD is associated with roughly four million dollars in lifetime costs per
individual; and
WHEREAS, the lifetime costs in the United States to date for ASD is more than
seven trillion dollars; and
WHEREAS, the projected societal costs for ASD in the United States over the next
decade is estimated to increase significantly if prevalence remains the same; and
WHEREAS, this data illustrates the need to evaluate and identify risks, etiology,
environmental factors, and toxicants that affect ASD rates within our state; and
WHEREAS, an evaluation of the infrastructure needed to provide equitable
diagnostics, treatments, and support services with a sound economic impact on children with
ASD and their families is pertinent.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health
to conduct a review of factors affecting children who are diagnosed with ASD in this state
and their families and submit its findings in the form of a written report to the House
Committee on Health and Welfare by February 1, 2025.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the review shall include but not be limited to
access to early diagnosis, treatment options, medical and homecare costs, education
challenges, employment challenges, environmental factors, toxicants, epigenetics, and
long-term care options.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, subject to the availability of data, the review
by the Louisiana Department of Health shall identify the prevalence of ASD in this state by
region and demographic.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, subject to the availability of data, the review
by the Louisiana Department of Health shall identify the environmental and toxicant factors
that may be affecting children in regions of the state wherein ASD diagnosis has increased
in comparison to other regions of the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, subject to the availability of data, the review
by the Louisiana Department of Health shall identify the fiscal impact of ASD on the
individuals affected by the disorder and how it impacts the state's healthcare and education
systems.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in its production of the written report required
by this Resolution, the Louisiana Department of Health shall work with colleges and
universities in this state that have research centers to gain clinical expertise and insight on
autism spectrum disorder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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