Bill > A03563

This bill amends the mental hygiene law by providing a comprehensive and detailed definition of autism that includes five distinct categories of pervasive developmental disorders: (1) Autistic disorder, which requires the presence of six specific symptoms across social interaction, communication, and behavioral domains, with specific onset and diagnostic criteria; (2) Asperger's disorder, characterized by social interaction impairments, repetitive behaviors, significant functional impairment, and absence of language or cognitive developmental delays; (3) Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (including atypical autism), which encompasses severe developmental impairments that do not fully meet other specific disorder criteria; (4) Rett's disorder, defined by a pattern of normal early development followed by progressive loss of skills, including head growth deceleration, hand skill loss, social engagement changes, and significant developmental impairments; and (5) Childhood disintegrative disorder, characterized by normal early development followed by significant skill loss before age ten in areas like language, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. The bill provides extremely detailed diagnostic criteria for each category, offering medical professionals a precise framework for identifying and classifying autism spectrum conditions. The legislation will take effect on the first of September following its passage into law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3563