Published on: 19875123. This new rule addresses excused absences for students with autism spectrum disorder to attend therapy. During the 2017 Legislative Session, section 1003.21, F.S., was amended to require each school district, in accordance with the State Board of Education rule, to amend policies authorizing a parent to request and be granted permission for absence of a student from school for an appointment scheduled to receive a therapy service provided by a licensed health care practitioner or behavior analyst certified pursuant to s. 393.17, F.S., for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including, but not limited to, applied behavioral analysis, speech therapy and occupational therapy.