NY A03322

Creates the New York Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment, Training and Research Council within the executive department, comprised of 28 members including 13 ex officio state agency heads, 7 governor appointees with ASD expertise, and 8 legislative appointees

Requires the council to develop a coordinated state policy and plan addressing service coordination, early identification, lifelong service delivery, family support, information dissemination, and research coordination, with an initial report due February 1, 2027 and annual updates thereafter

Mandates community forums within one year of enactment and every five years thereafter in at least 11 locations statewide including Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Syracuse, and Rochester to gather input from patients, families, and providers

Establishes regional New York Centers on Autism and Related Disabilities (NYCARD) facilities to provide training, referrals, and information, with automatic designation of federal STAART Network programs, the Cody Center at Stony Brook, and the Center at University at Albany

Authorizes the council to contract with and provide grants to NYCARD facilities for services, training, and research activities, with the Department of Health and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities commissioners serving as co-chairs