About the Council
The Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive
Developmental Disorders was established by legislation in
1987 that added
Chapter 114 to the Human Resources Code. The Texas
Department of Aging and Disability Services provides
administrative support for the Council.
The Council is composed of seven
at-large members who are family members of a person
with Autism or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD),
appointed by the governor. In addition, there is one
representative from each of the following state agencies,
appointed by the commissioner of the respective agency:
- Texas Department of Aging and
Disability Services
- Texas Department of State Health
Services
- Texas Health and Human Services
Commission
- Texas Education Agency
- Texas Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitative Services
The Council meets at least quarterly in
Austin.
Every two years, the Council develops a
state plan that identifies and articulates the needs of
individuals with autism and other PDD, and recommends
mechanisms to meet those needs of those persons and their
families statewide.
The Advisory task force, which includes
professionals, advocacy groups, and family members of
persons with autism and other PDD, advises the Council on
implementing its duties. The Council also addresses
contemporary issues affecting services, including:
- intervention and treatment
strategies;
- personnel training and education;
- referral, screening, and evaluation
services;
- day, respite, and residential care
services;
- vocational and adult training
programs;
- public awareness strategies;
- contemporary research;
- early identification and diagnosis
strategies;
- family counseling and case
management; and
- recommendations for monitoring
service programs.
The Council makes recommendations to the
agencies providing services to persons with autism and other
PDD, and advises the legislature about legislation needed to
develop and maintain quality intervention and treatment
services.
Correspondence for Council members should be addressed
to:
Council Member's Name
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
Texas Council on Autism and PDD
Mail Code W-578
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030
Phone: 512-438-3512
Fax: 512-438-5768 |
