26 Tex. Admin. Code § 350.833 - Autism Screening

(a) Autism screening is not required if the child has been screened for autism spectrum disorder by another entity or has been identified as having autism spectrum disorder.

(b) The subrecipient does not diagnose autism spectrum disorder.

(c) If an enrolled child is 18 months or older, the interdisciplinary team must determine if the child:

(1) has a family history of autism spectrum disorder;

(2) has lost previously acquired language or other communication skills or social skills; or

(3) exhibits a language or cognitive delay or unusual communication patterns combined with a social, emotional, or behavioral concern, including repetitive or stereotypical behaviors.

(d) If the interdisciplinary team identifies any of the issues in subsection (c) of this section, a member of the team must explain to the family the importance of early screening for autism spectrum disorder.

(e) The subrecipient must obtain written parental consent to refer the child to their licensed health care provider to complete an autism screening tool designated by HHSC ECI.

(f) If the child is not screened by the child's licensed health care provider or the subrecipient is unable to receive the screening from the child's licensed health care provider in a timely manner, the subrecipient must obtain written parental consent to:

(1) complete a screening for autism spectrum disorder using a tool designated as appropriate by HHSC ECI; and

(2) if appropriate, complete any additional follow-up activities for a child who does not pass the screening.

(g) The subrecipient must make appropriate referrals if needs are identified. Appropriate referrals may include:

(1) a referral to appropriate clinicians for a child who does not pass the designated screening; and

(2) the provision of case management to assist the parent with having an autism spectrum disorder screening done by the child's licensed health care provider if they do not consent to a screening by the subrecipient.

(h) Screening for autism spectrum disorder using a tool designated as appropriate by HHSC ECI does not take the place of the appropriate evaluation of the child required under this subchapter.

Notes

26 Tex. Admin. Code § 350.833

The provisions of this §108.833 adopted to be effective September 1, 2013, 38 TexReg 5524; amended by Texas Register, Volume 40, Number 09, February 27, 2015, TexReg 949, eff. 3/7/2015; entire chapter transferred from Title 40, Part 2, Chapter 208 by Texas Register, Volume 46, Number 06, February 5, 2021, TexReg 0941, eff. 3/1/2021; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 50, Number 06, February 7, 2025, TexReg 0782, eff. 2/13/2025