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The Enterprise — Michael Koff

With his son, Michael, by his side, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara addresses a group of more than 150 first responders from the Capital Region Friday night about how to recognize signs of autism. Michael, 16, at right, is on the spectrum, and Santabarbara has long advocated for creating better programs statewide, including standardized training for first responders in how to effectively communicate with people who are on the spectrum. This training was passed as part of this year’s final state budget. Santabarbara also wants to create a statewide voluntary, registration-based system of identification for people on the spectrum or with other disorders who are nonverbal.