Help with the Proposed Compromise
More money in Schools for Services

Remember, in order to put the plan in motion, the legislature must initially provide a maximum increase in  FTE funding for children with autism, so that services will be fully funded and can be provided in the schools.

Therefore, we must call and write to the Education Appropriations Committees in both the House and the Senate and ask the leadership to provide the ‘special consideration bonus points’ for children with autism. This would provide the maximum funding at the 255 level on the Matrix, approximately $20,000 per child. Visually impaired and hearing impaired (mute) children are currently receiving this special allocation.  If passed, this additional funding can lead to a crucial and long awaited solution for providing necessary services to children with autism.

Legislators to contact in the House Education Appropriations Committees:

Chair, Stephan Wise - R (850) 488-5102 221 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399  
V. Chair, Cynthia Chestnut - D   (850) 488-5794 224 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
J.D. Alexander -  R (850) 488-9465 214 HOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Lee Constantine - R (850) 488-2231 232 HOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Heather Fiorentino - R (850) 488-5522 1201 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Ron Greenstein - D (850) 488-3164 212 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Bob Henriquez - D (850) 488-9430 1401 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Carlos Lacasa - R (850) 488-6506   223 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Evelyn Lynn - R (850) 488-9873 1301 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Jerry Melvin - R (850) 488-1170 1301 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Bill Posey - R (850) 488-4669 224 HOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399
John Rayson - D (850) 488-0260 1401 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Ken Sorensen - R (850) 488-9965 1102 Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Majorie Turnbull - D (850) 488-0965 211 HOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Legislators to Contact in the Senate Education Appropriations Committees:

Chair, Donald Sullivan - R (850) 487-5056 306 SOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Charlie Clary - R (850) 427-5009 205 SOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399 
Mario Diaz-Balart - R (850) 427-5130 202 SOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Buddy Dyer - D (850) 427-5190 200 SOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Betty Holzendorf  - D (850) 427- 5024 213 SOB, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Add Autism to the existing “special considerations”
in place on the Matrix Service Form.

Current Status:

Because of the unconventional nature of autism spectrum disorder, many children with autism are not fully funded through the Matrix.  There is no consideration for  mainstreaming and academic placement goals being met.  Additionally, therapeutic and behavioral services are grossly under funded through this calculation because sensory and behavior issues are not a prioritized domain.

Current Impact:

Due to this inequity, many children with autism and asperger's who have achieved typical academic levels, or are higher academic achievers, have lost the additional behavioral, sensory, and augmentative support in the classroom.  As a result, students eventually regress and revert back to ESE classrooms.  In effect, mainstreamed autistic students are being penalized for their academic achievement and there is insufficient funding for required therapeutic and behavioral services.

Proposed Changes:

Support legislation for special consideration of Matrix Service bonus points funding for children with autism.  This can be accomplished by adding ‘autism’ to the existing ‘visually impaired’ and ‘dual-sensory impaired’ special considerations already in place.  This will afford autistic children, who are high academic achievers, the proper classroom support, while providing them the suitable mainstream placement and appropriate academic level, as well as adequate therapeutic and behavioral intervention.

Back to the Main Autism Bill/Legislative Info. Page