Committee advances bill to expand autism screening pilot for Georgia foster youth

The Georgia Senate Children and Families Committee on Thursday advanced Senate Bill 402 to expand an autism screening pilot for children in foster care, voting to pass the measure as amended.

Senator Tillery, who presented the bill, said the legislation would replicate a pilot first run in Region 12 in three additional regions and — as funding allows — move toward implementing the program across all 14 regions over several years. "This pilot allows us to see if what we found in Region 12 replicates in three other places," he said.

The bill is designed to identify and screen foster children for autism earlier so they can access evidence-based interventions. Dr. Zena, a pediatrician who led the Region 12 pilot and testified remotely, told the committee her practice specializes in autism and related disorders and serves "children from over 80 counties." She said foster children sometimes travel "six or more hours by car to get to us," and that undiagnosed autism can increase placement instability and disruptive behaviors that lead to moves between homes or into group care.

Autism advocacy groups and providers urged support for the bill. Peyton Lockwood, speaking on behalf of Autism Speaks, summarized prior pilot data the committee heard: in an original study population of 609 foster children, 51.6 percent screened positive and 17.4 percent were later diagnosed, and "autism is six times more common among Georgia's foster care youth," Lockwood said. Kim Dean, founder and CEO of Apollo Behavior Services, told the committee early intervention produces better outcomes and can reduce state costs associated with hoteling and case management.

Committee members pressed the author about funding and accountability. Several raised a concern that the bill's expansion language is "subject to appropriations," asking what would happen if funds for subsequent expansion years were not provided. One member requested earlier reporting so the legislature would not have to wait five years to assess whether the pilot is working. The author and witnesses said they were open to adding earlier or annual reporting; the committee approved an amendment replacing the date referenced in the bill (’31) with ’27 and adding an annual reporting requirement.

Senate staff said the pilot as described would cost about $451,000 per district. Senator Tillery said the program would be expanded where local providers exist so the pilot sites can deliver services.

After procedural fixes to insert the word "final" into the repeal language and to reapply the amendment, the committee voted to pass the bill as amended by raised hands. The chair stated there was no recorded opposition and thanked members. The committee then moved on to other business.

SB 402 now proceeds from committee with the amendment requiring earlier/annual reporting; the measure’s expansion beyond the three initial districts remains subject to future appropriations.