NJ law to prevent discrimination against people with autism signed by governor

From The Star-Ledger in N.J.:

New Jerseyans with autism gained two laws Jan. 15 to prevent discrimination and to join a statewide registry designed to track the disease's possible trends.

The measures are the last in a package sponsored by former Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), who championed awareness of the disorder.

Acting Gov. Steve Sweeney signed the bills at Alpine Learning Group in Paramus. Sweeney, who is also the Senate president, is filling in for Gov. Jon Corzine, who is out of state.

"Individuals of all ages and at all places on the autism spectrum have a better chance to lead meaningful, productive and independent lives," said Assemblywoman Joan Voss (D-Bergen), a sponsor of the bills and the mother of an adult son with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism.

The first of the new laws -- which takes effect immediately -- expands New Jersey's antidiscrimination law, to ensure that no one who has autism and related neurological disorders is denied access to libraries, restaurants, gyms, pools, theaters and other public places. It also guarantees equal access to housing and jobs.

The law previously had applied to people with mental or physical disabilities.

The second law allows adults to join the state autism registry, established so New Jersey health officials can track cases and look for possible trends. The registry, which is voluntary, initially was open only to children, who are added by health professionals.

New Jersey has the country's highest rate of autism, with one in 94 children affected, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The national average is one in 150.

Autism has no known cause or cure. Its effects -- including tics, social awkwardness, sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty communicating and learning disabilities -- can range from barely noticeable to totally debilitating. Some of the most promising treatment involves expensive and prolonged physical, speech and occupational therapies.