Florida SB 1652: Terminology Associated with Autism

Bill Text

1652 
Terminology Associated with Autism 
2026-01-09T09:00:37Z 
Revising the definition of the term “autism”, etc. 
Original Filed Version 
2026 
S 
2026-07-01T00:00:00Z 
GB 
General Bill 
__ 

 Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1652 

 By Senator Burgess 

 23-01381-26 20261652__ 
 1 A bill to be entitled 
 2 An act relating to terminology associated with autism; 
 3 amending s. 393.063, F.S.; revising the definition of 
 4 the term “autism”; providing an effective date. 
 5 
 6 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 
 7 
 8 Section 1. Subsection (5) of section 393.063, Florida 
 9 Statutes, is amended to read: 
 10 393.063 Definitions.—For the purposes of this chapter, the 
 11 term: 
 12 (5) “Autism” and “autism spectrum disorder” mean means a 
 13 condition as defined by the most recent edition of the 
 14 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the 
 15 American Psychiatric Association pervasive, neurologically based 
 16 developmental disability of extended duration which causes 
 17 severe learning, communication, and behavior disorders with age 
 18 of onset during infancy or childhood. Individuals with autism 
 19 exhibit impairment in reciprocal social interaction, impairment 
 20 in verbal and nonverbal communication and imaginative ability, 
 21 and a markedly restricted repertoire of activities and 
 22 interests. 
 23 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.