HB 425 Summary

• Establishes a statewide autism services program within the Department of Health and Social Services to provide and coordinate home-based services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

• Requires the program to design evidence-based early interventions including autism screening, intensive caregiver training in applied behavior analysis, assessment by board certified autism specialists, and assistance with activities of daily living.

• Mandates creation of a centralized database for information on autism spectrum disorders including prevalence, suspected causes, and prevention and care standards.

• Authorizes the department to coordinate and contract with public and private entities to implement the program, provide direct services, and deliver public information and training on autism prevention and care.

• Requires the department to employ a program director to design, implement, supervise, and coordinate service delivery and training under the program.