Res. No. 1926 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass A. 6075-A, a bill that would require special education teachers to be trained in the needs of children with autism and authorize the Commissioner of Education to create a special certification for teachers and administrators who work with autistic children. Body By Council Members Stabile and Moskowitz; also Council Members Henry, Koslowitz, Linares, Marshall and Nelson Whereas, Currently, the New York State Legislature is considering A. 6075-A, a bill that would address the educational needs of autistic children; and Whereas, A. 6075-A would require that all persons applying for a teaching certificate or license as a special education teacher or instructor on or after February 2, 2002, complete course work or training in the needs of autistic children; and Whereas, Furthermore, the bill would authorize the Commissioner of Education to institute regulations and establish programs and training for teachers and administrators who work with autistic children; and Whereas, According to the State Education Department's Office of Special Education Programs, in 1994-1999 there was a 153.6 percent increase in the incidence of autism in students ages six to eleven; and Whereas, Despite the growth in the number of children diagnosed with autism, educators in the New York City public school system lack appropriate training in autism spectrum disorders; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the New York City Council calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass A. 6075-A, a bill that would require special education teachers to be trained in the needs of children with autism and authorize the Commissioner of Education to create a special certification for teachers and administrators who work with autistic children. L.P. 4/26/01 LS# 4116