For the third straight year, a state legislator is using his platform to raise awareness and take action for autism.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara hosted an Autism Action Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

Santabarbara’s own son was diagnosed with autism at age 3. The assemblyman says autism awareness in pop culture is leading to success in the Capitol.

“We have seen awareness come to new levels this year," Santabarbara said. "We are seeing characters with autism on Sesame Street; we are seeing it on the big screen and movies; we are seeing it on television shows, seeing it more than ever; and with that awareness comes action ... bills that are able to pass here in the state assembly," said Santabarbara.

During Wednesday’s program, Via Aqaurium in Rotterdam was awarded the New York State Autism Action Award for the work they do with families affected by autism.