BILL ANALYSIS
By: Thompson
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The term "autism spectrum disorder" (ASD) encompasses five different disorders: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, Rett's disorder, Asperger's disorder, and childhood disintegrated disorder. Children and adults with ASD display varying degrees with social skills, speech, communication, repetitive behaviors and patterns. Children with ASD not only develop differently from children without ASD, but they develop irregularly compared to each other.
According to the Autism Society of America ASD is one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities and the cost of care yearly is about $90 billion. The Autism Society of America estimates that the cost of ASD care could be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and proper intervention. This bill would establish a center to aid children and adults affected by ASD, as well as their families. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Resource center will provide information, training, and aid to all who are touched by ASD
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
CSHB 1984 amends Chapter 114 of the Human Resources code by requiring the Health and Human Services Commission (commission) to establish and administer an autism spectrum disorders resource center to coordinate resources for individuals with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders and their families. CSHB 1984 requires the commission to consult with the council and coordinate with appropriate state agencies, including each agency represented on the council. The commission is required to design the center to include the collection and distribution of information and research regarding autism, conduct training and development activities for persons who may interact with a person who has autism or another pervasive developmental disorder in the course of their employment, including school, medical, or law enforcement personnel. The center is required to coordinate with local entities that provide services to people with autism or another pervasive developmental disorder. The center will also provide support for families affected by autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute requires the Health and Human Services Commission to establish and administer a resource center to coordinate resources for individuals and their families. The bill as filed required the establishment and administration of an autism spectrum disorders resource program by the council. In the substitute, the commission is required to consult with the council and coordinate with appropriate state agencies in the establishment and administration of the center.