Frockt bill aims to screen all kids for autism

All Washington children would get the recommended screening for autism and other mental disabilities.under a bill that Democratic State Sen. David Frockt introduced Thursday

The bill would extend the coverage that children with private insurance now have to children covered through the state's Apple Health for Kids program, children who now get only one of the five screenings that national pediatric-medicine organizations recommend.

Frockt said Thursday that, while the program would cost the state money up front, it would save the state money in long-term special-education services.

Frockt represents the 46th Legislative District, including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

A Spokane Democrat has introduced a companion bill in the State House of Representatives.