Puerto Rico House holds special session for Autism Awareness; lawmakers call for law implementation and services

SAN JUAN — The Puerto Rico House of Representatives convened a special session on April 3, 2025, to mark Autism Awareness Month, issue a ceremonial recognition for a young constituent and press for better enforcement and funding of services for people with autism.

In a reading of a ceremonial motion, the chamber "se honra en felicitar y reconocer" a a young man from the district who plays for a local team and who participated in the Special Olympics; the motion was read by Jean Dávila Fornier and was presented on behalf of Representative Félix Pacheco Burgos.

Lawmakers used the session for public remarks and policy-oriented appeals. Nelly Lebrón, speaking for the independence-party delegation, cited a recent study presented by the Alliance for Autism indicating "uno de cada sesenta y dos bebés que nacen en la isla tiene alta probabilidad de desarrollar autismo" and said that represented "un aumento del ciento ochenta y dos por ciento" compared with 2012. Lebrón also reviewed the recent legislative history, saying that the earlier law (Ley 220) was replaced last year by Ley 163, which she described as a statute meant to establish policy, continuity of services and penalties for noncompliance.

Youths and family members were recognized throughout the program. Naila Otero Rodríguez, a 22-year-old theater student, told legislators: "Hoy vengo a hablar en nombre de los miles de personas que vivimos en esta hermosa isla con autismo" and asked elected officials to ensure that "las leyes que ya existen se implementen y que las políticas públicas nos incluyan de forma real." Several speakers thanked families, volunteers and nonprofit partners who assisted with the event.

House President Carlos Johnny Méndez acknowledged prior legislative donations and memoranda of understanding with organizations serving people with disabilities and said the chamber would continue to pursue measures and funding: "Vamos a procurar aprobar legislación para darle todas las oportunidades que se merecen," he said. Edgar Robles Rivera, president of the House Consumers Affairs committee and organizer of the event, thanked staff and partner organizations for the session and recognized volunteers and family members in the gallery.

The statements made at the session focused on three recurring themes: recognition of the accomplishments of individuals with autism; a call to implement and fund existing laws and programs; and requests for reasonable accommodations and public education to promote inclusion. Speakers named Ley 220 and Ley 163 while urging agencies and private entities to provide the accommodations those statutes require.

The special session was ceremonial in nature. The only formal action recorded in the transcript was the reading of the recognition motion; no roll-call vote or adoption text is recorded in the transcript. The event concluded with a group photograph and the House's announcement that the regular session would resume at 1 p.m.