MN SF2112

Amends Minnesota school screening requirements to include first-level screening for autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, Asperger's syndrome, and attention deficit disorders as part of early childhood developmental screening programs.

Requires the Commissioner of Health to establish best practice protocols for pediatric primary care providers for early autism spectrum disorder screening, incorporating American Academy of Pediatrics standards and objective screening instruments.

Creates a 17-member Early Childhood Autism Screening Study Group composed of legislators, family members of autistic children, medical professionals, educators, and state agency representatives to review social-emotional development screening instruments.

Directs the study group to evaluate current screening instruments used in Minnesota and autism-specific tools (including M-CHAT-R/F, CARS, and PL-ADOS) based on cost, administration time, training requirements, reliability, and feasibility as statewide standards.

Requires the study group to submit findings and recommendations to legislative committees by February 1, 2018, with the group expiring February 2, 2018 unless extended by law.