The Legislature finds and declares the following:

1. (1) The Centers for Disease Control estimates that nationally 1 in 150 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
2. (2) Current studies indicate that ASD can often be detected by the age of three years and in some cases as early as 18 months.
3. (3) Early intervention can produce improved outcomes.
4. (4) These complex disorders are usually of lifelong duration and affect multiple aspects of development, learning, and adaptation in the community.
5. (5) There is an urgent and substantial need to develop and implement a statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of care for individuals with ASD and their families.

(Act 2009-295, p. 502, §2.)