Section 124 Commission on Autism COVID-19 Study

The commission on autism established in section 217 of chapter 6 of the General Laws shall investigate and report on the impact of the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on Black, Latinx, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Native American and other individuals of color who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The commission shall review all available data and information on the range of services and supports provided to individuals with autism spectrum disorder by each major racial and ethnic group, primary language, sex and economic status during the outbreak of COVID-19. The commission shall make recommendations to address any inequities caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 including, but not be limited to, establishing periodic benchmarks and cost estimates for a coordinated system-wide response to address the inequitable impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 and the recovery process on Black, Latinx, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Native American and other individuals of color with autism spectrum disorder. Not later than January 1, 2022 the commission shall submit a report of its investigation, including recommendations and any drafts of legislation necessary to carry those recommendations into effect, to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities.