HB 1296 Summary

• Expands early intervention services for infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorder under the federal Infant and Toddler Program (Part C of IDEA).

• Requires teacher training programs to include coursework on recognizing autism spectrum disorder and instructional strategies for students with disabilities and autism.

• Creates the Missouri Autism Spectrum Disorder Commission to develop a 10-year strategic plan addressing services, training, funding, and treatment for individuals with autism.

• Establishes mandatory autism awareness training for school employees (parents as teachers staff by July 1, 2012; K-2 teachers by July 1, 2014; grades 3-6 and 7-12 teachers by July 1, 2016; school nurses and counselors by July 1, 2016), with costs fully reimbursed through a new "Missouri Special Needs Identification and Education Program."

• Appoints an ombudsman within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to assist families and school districts with early identification and assessment of autism spectrum disorder and establishes autism specialists at regional professional development centers.