Stacy Esposito

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, My name is Stacy Esposito. I am a licensed mental health therapist and practice owner in New Hampshire and I am writing in support of HB 1316. As a clinician, I work closely with individuals and families navigating autism diagnoses and related services. Trust and confidentiality are foundational to effective mental health care. Clients share deeply personal information about developmental history, mental health symptoms, family dynamics, trauma exposure, and medical needs with the understanding that their information will be handled with the highest level of protection. Autism-related data is particularly sensitive. It can include diagnostic evaluations, psychological testing, school records, treatment plans, and information about co-occurring conditions. If individuals or families fear that this information may be broadly collected, shared, or disclosed without clear limitations, it can deter them from seeking evaluation or treatment. That hesitation can delay diagnosis, reduce access to services, and ultimately worsen outcomes. Protecting the collection and disclosure of autism-related data does not impede access to services. Rather, it strengthens public trust in state systems. When families know their information will only be collected when necessary and disclosed with appropriate safeguards, they are more likely to engage openly and honestly in care. From an ethical standpoint, mental health professionals are bound by strict confidentiality standards. Safeguarding client information is not optional; it is central to our professional responsibility. State policy should reflect and reinforce those same values. HB 1316 helps ensure that individuals with autism and their families are not subject to unnecessary data collection or disclosure and that sensitive diagnostic information is treated with care and respect. This is especially important in a climate where stigma and misunderstanding about neurodevelopmental conditions still exist. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to support HB 1316. Thank you for your time and consideration.