Terminology Associated with Autism

Plain English Breakdown

The bill's status is 'Passed Legislature', but it has died in committee and not yet become law.

Terminology Associated with Autism

This bill revises the definition of 'autism' in Florida law to align with the most recent edition of a medical guide called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association.

What This Bill Does

• Revises the definition of 'autism' in Florida law.
• Updates the definition based on the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
• Describes autism as a neurologically-based developmental disability that causes severe learning, communication, and behavior disorders.

Who It Names or Affects

• People with autism in Florida
• Healthcare providers who diagnose or treat autism

Terms To Know

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

A book used by doctors to identify mental health conditions, including autism.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how the changes will be enforced or what practical impacts they might have.
• It is unclear if other states will adopt similar terminology revisions.

Official Summary Text

Terminology Associated with Autism; Revising the definition of the term “autism”, etc.

Current Bill Text

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.