COORDINATION OF RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

(a) The commission shall coordinate resources for individuals with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders and their families. In coordinating those resources, the commission shall consult with appropriate state agencies. (b) As part of coordinating resources under Subsection (a), the commission shall: (1) collect and distribute information and research regarding autism and other pervasive developmental disorders; (2) conduct training and development activities for persons who may interact with an individual with autism or another pervasive developmental disorder in the course of their employment, including school, medical, and law enforcement personnel, and personnel of the Department of Family and Protective Services; (3) coordinate with local entities that provide services to an individual with autism or another pervasive developmental disorder; and (4) provide support for families affected by autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. (c) The commission shall ensure that training and development activities under this section are: (1) evidenced-based; (2) applicable to the professional role of each type of personnel to be trained under Subsection (b)(2); and (3) instructive regarding means of effectively communicating and engaging with individuals with limited social or verbal abilities. (d) At least once every five years, in consultation with an institution of higher education, the commission shall revise the materials and methods for the training and development activities to be provided under Subsection (b)(2).