[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 55 (Thursday, April 14, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2525-S2529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Menendez, Mr. 
        Lautenberg, and Mrs. Gillibrand):
  S. 850. A bill to provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, 
and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their 
families; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, the month of April is set aside as Autism 
Awareness Month. This is a time when people and families affected by 
autism raise awareness about the challenges people with autism face. I 
am proud today to introduce with my colleagues Senators Casey, 
Menendez, Lautenberg, and Gillibrand the Autism Services and Workforce 
Acceleration Act of 2011, which authorizes federal funding for 
services, treatment, support, and research on autism spectrum 
disorders.
  Everywhere I go in Illinois, I meet people whose lives have been 
affected by autism. My office receives hundreds of letters and phone 
calls each year from Illinoisans asking Congress to do something to 
help with the burden that autism brings, and we are hearing from more 
and more families every year.
  Nationally, 1 out of every 110 children has autism. Autism affects 
children and families physically, psychologically, socially, and 
financially. It is often a major factor contributing to severe family 
financial difficulties, marital and family disruption, parental 
overburden that may lead to neglect and other developmental delays in 
siblings, as well as educational and employment challenges throughout 
the autistic person's life cycle.
  Unfortunately, parents are not only worried about getting the 
services they need for their autistic children when they are young. 
Parents must worry about how to care for their children as they mature 
into adults. I met two concerned parents from Illinois whose 20-year-
old son is profoundly affected by autism and has struggled with major 
behavioral problems. He was in a special education program at school, 
but his teachers didn't know how to deal with his behavioral problems 
and he was suspended on numerous occasions. Eventually, his parents 
found a school that was a better fit and his behavior improved. He is 
doing well now, but when he turns 22 he will no longer be eligible for 
services through the public school system. They are trying to find a 
place for him in a day program for adults with autism, but there are 
not enough of these programs, and the waitlists are long. These parents 
love their son, but worry every day about what will happen to him when 
they are too old to care for him.
  Across the country people with autism confront a precipitous drop in 
services after early adulthood. We need to help people with autism 
achieve their full potential by ensuring they can access to vital 
services that enhance their quality of life. This bill includes a 
provision that helps youth and adults with autism access essential 
post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, housing, 
transportation, and health services.
  During the 109th Congress, I cosponsored the Combating Autism Act, 
which was signed into law in December 2006. That bill called on the 
Federal Government to increase research into the causes and treatment 
of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with 
autism and their caretakers.
  The legislature in my home State of Illinois has also listened to the 
voices of the 26,000 families in the state living with autism. In 
response to the overwhelming cost of autism-related services, the State 
passed legislation signed into law in December 2008, requiring health 
plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
  It is time now for the Federal Government to renew and build upon the 
commitments it has already made to help the millions of families across 
the nation struggling with autism.
  My legislation would support these individuals and families in 
several ways.
  First, the legislation creates a demonstration project to develop 
Autism Care Programs. These programs are designed to increase access to 
quality health care services and promote communication among health 
care providers, educators, and other service providers. Families who 
choose to access services through these programs would be able to 
designate a personal care coordinator as a source of contact for their 
family. This personal care coordinator would help to refer and 
coordinate a full array of medical, behavioral, mental health, 
educational and family care services to individuals and families in a 
single location.
  Next, the bill authorizes a grant program to provide services to 
youth and adults with autism. These services include post-secondary 
education, vocational and self advocacy skills, employment, residential 
services, health and wellness, recreational and social activities, 
transportation, and personal safety. These services will help youth and 
adults with autism live as independently as possible and improve their 
quality of life. With the increasing number of children diagnosed with 
autism, these services will only become more important over time.
  The bill authorizes grants to develop a national multimedia campaign 
to increase public education and awareness about healthy developmental 
milestones and autism throughout the lifespan. These campaigns will be 
targeted to general public audience and professional groups such as 
medical, criminal justice, or emergency professions.
  Finally, it creates a national training initiative on autism and a 
technical assistance center to develop and expand interdisciplinary 
training and continuing education on autism spectrum disorders.
  Taken together, these initiatives would go an enormous way in 
supporting and improving the lives of individuals with autism and their 
families.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.

[[Page S2526]]

  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 850

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Autism 
     Services and Workforce Acceleration Act of 2011''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Parental rights rule of construction.
Sec. 4. Definitions; technical amendment to the Public Health Service 
              Act.
Sec. 5. Autism Care Programs Demonstration Project.
Sec. 6. Planning and demonstration grants for services for 
              transitioning youth and adults.
Sec. 7. Multimedia campaign.
Sec. 8. National training initiatives on autism spectrum disorders.
Sec. 9. Authorization of appropriations.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Autism (sometimes called ``classical autism'') is the 
     most common condition in a group of developmental disorders 
     known as autism spectrum disorders.
       (2) Autism spectrum disorders include autism as well as 
     Asperger syndrome, Retts syndrome, childhood disintegrative 
     disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise 
     specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS), as well as other 
     related developmental disorders.
       (3) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders have the 
     same rights as other individuals to exert control and choice 
     over their own lives, to live independently, and to 
     participate fully in, and contribute to, their communities 
     and society through full integration and inclusion in the 
     economic, political, social, cultural, and educational 
     mainstream of society. Individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders have the right to a life with dignity and purpose.
       (4) While there is no uniform prevalence or severity of 
     symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders, the 
     National Institutes of Health has determined that autism 
     spectrum disorders are characterized by 3 distinctive 
     behaviors: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal 
     and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or 
     severely limited activities and interests.
       (5) Both children and adults with autism spectrum disorders 
     can show difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, 
     social interactions, and sensory processing. Individuals with 
     autism spectrum disorders exhibit different symptoms or 
     behaviors, which may range from mild to significant, and 
     require varying degrees of support from friends, families, 
     service providers, and communities.
       (6) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders often need 
     assistance in the areas of comprehensive early intervention, 
     health, recreation, job training, employment, housing, 
     transportation, and early, primary, and secondary education. 
     Greater coordination and streamlining within the service 
     delivery system will enable individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders and their families to access assistance from all 
     sectors throughout an individual's lifespan.
       (7) A 2009 report from the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention found that the prevalence of autism spectrum 
     disorders is estimated to be 1 in 110 people in the United 
     States.
       (8) The Harvard School of Public Health reported that the 
     cost of caring for and treating individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorders in the United States is more than 
     $35,000,000,000 annually (an estimated $3,200,000 over an 
     individual's lifetime).
       (9) Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent 
     around the globe, researchers with the Journal of Paediatrics 
     and Child Health have found that males are 4 times more 
     likely to develop an autism spectrum disorder than females. 
     Autism spectrum disorders know no racial, ethnic, or social 
     boundaries, nor differences in family income, lifestyle, or 
     educational levels, and can affect any child.
       (10) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders from low-
     income, rural, and minority communities often face 
     significant obstacles to accurate diagnosis and necessary 
     specialized services, supports, and education.
       (11) There is strong consensus within the research 
     community that intensive treatment as soon as possible 
     following diagnosis not only can reduce the cost of lifelong 
     care by two-thirds, but also yields the most positive life 
     outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders.
       (12) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their 
     families experience a wide range of medical issues. Few 
     common standards exist for the diagnosis and management of 
     many aspects of clinical care. Behavioral difficulties may be 
     attributed to the overarching disorder rather than to the 
     pain and discomfort of a medical condition, which may go 
     undetected and untreated. The health care and other 
     treatments available in different communities can vary 
     widely. Many families, lacking access to comprehensive and 
     coordinated health care, must fend for themselves to find the 
     best health care, treatments, and services in a complex 
     clinical world.
       (13) Effective health care, treatment, and services for 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorders depends upon a 
     continuous exchange among researchers and caregivers. 
     Evidence-based and promising autism practices should move 
     quickly into communities, allowing individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorders and their families to benefit from the 
     newest research and enabling researchers to learn from the 
     life experiences of the people whom their work most directly 
     affects.
       (14) There is a critical shortage of appropriately trained 
     personnel across numerous important disciplines who can 
     assess, diagnose, treat, and support children and adults with 
     autism spectrum disorders and their families. Practicing 
     professionals, as well as those in training to become 
     professionals, need the most up-to-date practices informed by 
     the most current research findings.
       (15) The appropriate goals of the Nation regarding 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorder are the same as the 
     appropriate goals of the Nation regarding individuals with 
     disabilities in general, as established in the Americans with 
     Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.): to assure 
     equality of opportunity, full participation, independent 
     living, and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals.
       (16) Finally, individuals with autism spectrum disorders 
     are often denied health care benefits solely because of their 
     diagnosis, even though proven, effective treatments for 
     autism spectrum disorders do exist.

     SEC. 3. PARENTAL RIGHTS RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

       Nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify the legal 
     rights of parents or legal guardians under Federal, State, or 
     local law regarding the care of their children.

     SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS; TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH 
                   SERVICE ACT.

       Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 280i et seq.) is amended--
       (1) by inserting after the header for part R the following:

   ``Subpart 1--Surveillance and Research Program; Education, Early 
             Detection, and Intervention; and Reporting'';

       (2) in section 399AA(d), by striking ``part'' and inserting 
     ``subpart''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:

  ``Subpart 2--Care for People With Autism Spectrum Disorders; Public 
                               Education

     ``SEC. 399GG. DEFINITIONS.

       ``Except as otherwise provided, in this subpart:
       ``(1) Adult with autism spectrum disorder.--The term `adult 
     with autism spectrum disorder' means an individual with an 
     autism spectrum disorder who has attained 22 years of age.
       ``(2) Affected individual.--The term `affected individual' 
     means an individual with an autism spectrum disorder.
       ``(3) Autism.--The term `autism' means an autism spectrum 
     disorder or a related developmental disability.
       ``(4) Autism care program.--In this subpart, the term 
     `autism care program' means a program that is directed by a 
     care coordinator who is an expert in autism spectrum disorder 
     treatment and practice and provides an array of medical, 
     psychological, behavioral, educational, and family services 
     to individuals with autism and their families. Such a program 
     shall--
       ``(A) incorporate the attributes of the care management 
     model;
       ``(B) offer, through an array of services or through 
     detailed referral and coordinated care arrangements, an 
     autism management team of appropriate providers, including 
     behavioral specialists, physicians, psychologists, social 
     workers, family therapists, nurse practitioners, nurses, 
     educators, and other appropriate personnel; and
       ``(C) have the capability to achieve improvements in the 
     management and coordination of care for targeted 
     beneficiaries.
       ``(5) Autism management team.--The term `autism management 
     team' means a group of autism care providers, including 
     behavioral specialists, physicians, psychologists, social 
     workers, family therapists, nurse practitioners, nurses, 
     educators, other appropriate personnel, and family members 
     who work in a coordinated manner to treat individuals with 
     autism spectrum disorders and their families. Such team shall 
     determine the specific structure and operational model of its 
     specific autism care program, taking into consideration 
     cultural, regional, and geographical factors.
       ``(6) Autism spectrum disorder.--The term `autism spectrum 
     disorder' means a developmental disability that causes 
     substantial impairments in the areas of social interaction, 
     emotional regulation, communication, and the integration of 
     higher-order cognitive processes and which may be 
     characterized by the presence of unusual behaviors and 
     interests. Such term includes autistic disorder, pervasive 
     developmental disorder (not otherwise specified), Asperger 
     syndrome, Retts disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, 
     and other related developmental disorders.
       ``(7) Care management model.--The term `care management 
     model' means a model of care that with respect to autism--
       ``(A) is centered on the relationship between an individual 
     with an autism spectrum disorder and his or her family and 
     their personal autism care coordinator;

[[Page S2527]]

       ``(B) provides services to individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders to improve the management and coordination of care 
     provided to individuals and their families; and
       ``(C) has established, where practicable, effective 
     referral relationships between the autism care coordinator 
     and the major medical, educational, and behavioral 
     specialties and ancillary services in the region.
       ``(8) Child with autism spectrum disorder.--The term `child 
     with autism spectrum disorder' means an individual with an 
     autism spectrum disorder who has not attained 22 years of 
     age.
       ``(9) Interventions.--The term `interventions' means the 
     educational methods and positive behavioral support 
     strategies designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms 
     associated with autism spectrum disorders.
       ``(10) Personal care coordinator.--The term `personal care 
     coordinator' means a physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, 
     psychologist, social worker, family therapist, educator, or 
     other appropriate personnel (as determined by the Secretary) 
     who has extensive expertise in treatment and services for 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorders, who--
       ``(A) practices in an autism care program; and
       ``(B) has been trained to coordinate and manage 
     comprehensive autism care for the whole person.
       ``(11) Project.--The term `project' means the autism care 
     program demonstration project established under section 
     399GG-1.
       ``(12) Services.--The term `services' means services to 
     assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders to live 
     more independently in their communities and to improve their 
     quality of life.
       ``(13) Treatments.--The term `treatments' means the health 
     services, including mental health and behavioral therapy 
     services, designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms 
     associated with autism spectrum disorders.''.

     SEC. 5. AUTISM CARE PROGRAMS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

       Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 280i), as amended by section 4, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 399GG-1. AUTISM CARE PROGRAMS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration 
     Act of 2011, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator 
     of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall 
     establish a demonstration project for the implementation of 
     an Autism Care Program (referred to in this section as the 
     `Program') to provide grants and other assistance to improve 
     the effectiveness and efficiency in providing comprehensive 
     care to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders 
     and their families.
       ``(b) Goals.--The Program shall be designed--
       ``(1) to increase--
       ``(A) comprehensive autism spectrum disorder care delivery;
       ``(B) access to appropriate health care services, 
     especially wellness and prevention care, at times convenient 
     for individuals;
       ``(C) satisfaction of individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders;
       ``(D) communication among autism spectrum disorder health 
     care providers, behaviorists, educators, specialists, 
     hospitals, and other autism spectrum disorder care providers;
       ``(E) academic progress of students with autism spectrum 
     disorders;
       ``(F) successful transition to postsecondary education, 
     vocational or job training and placement, and comprehensive 
     adult services for individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders, focusing in particular upon the transitional 
     period for individuals between the ages of 18 and 25;
       ``(G) the quality of health care services, taking into 
     account nationally developed standards and measures;
       ``(H) development, review, and promulgation of common 
     clinical standards and guidelines for medical care to 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorders;
       ``(I) development of clinical research projects to support 
     clinical findings in a search for recommended practices; and
       ``(J) the quality of life of individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorders, including communication abilities, social 
     skills, community integration, self-determination, and 
     employment and other related services; and
       ``(2) to decrease--
       ``(A) inappropriate emergency room utilization;
       ``(B) avoidable hospitalizations;
       ``(C) the duplication of health care services;
       ``(D) the inconvenience of multiple provider locations;
       ``(E) health disparities and inequalities that individuals 
     with autism spectrum disorders face; and
       ``(F) preventable and inappropriate involvement with the 
     juvenile and criminal justice systems.
       ``(c) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive 
     assistance under the Program, an entity shall--
       ``(1) be a State or a public or private nonprofit entity;
       ``(2) coordinate activities with the applicable University 
     Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the 
     Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Protection and 
     Advocacy System;
       ``(3) demonstrate a capacity to provide services to 
     individuals with developmental disabilities and autism 
     spectrum disorder;
       ``(4) agree to establish and implement treatments, 
     interventions, and services that--
       ``(A) enable targeted beneficiaries to designate a personal 
     care coordinator to be their source of first contact and to 
     recommend comprehensive and coordinated care for the whole of 
     the individual;
       ``(B) provide for the establishment of a coordination of 
     care committee that is composed of clinicians and 
     practitioners trained in and working in autism spectrum 
     disorder intervention;
       ``(C) establish a network of physicians, psychologists, 
     family therapists, behavioral specialists, social workers, 
     educators, and health centers that have volunteered to 
     participate as consultants to patient-centered autism care 
     programs to provide high-quality care, focusing on autism 
     spectrum disorder care, at the appropriate times and places 
     and in a cost-effective manner;
       ``(D) work in cooperation with hospitals, local public 
     health departments, and the network of patient-centered 
     autism care programs, to coordinate and provide health care;
       ``(E) utilize health information technology to facilitate 
     the provision and coordination of health care by network 
     participants; and
       ``(F) collaborate with other entities to further the goals 
     of the program, particularly by collaborating with entities 
     that provide transitional adult services to individuals 
     between the ages of 18 and 25 with autism spectrum disorder, 
     to ensure successful transition of such individuals to 
     adulthood; and
       ``(5) submit to the Secretary an application, at such time, 
     in such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Secretary may require, including--
       ``(A) a description of the treatments, interventions, or 
     services that the eligible entity proposes to provide under 
     the Program;
       ``(B) a demonstration of the capacity of the eligible 
     entity to provide or establish such treatments, 
     interventions, and services within such entity;
       ``(C) a description of the treatments, interventions, or 
     services that are available to individuals with autism in the 
     State;
       ``(D) a description of the gaps in services that exist in 
     different geographic segments of the State;
       ``(E) a demonstration of the capacity of the eligible 
     entity to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the 
     treatments, interventions, and services described in 
     subparagraph (A);
       ``(F) estimates of the number of individuals and families 
     who will be served by the eligible entity under the Program, 
     including an estimate of the number of such individuals and 
     families in medically underserved areas;
       ``(G) a description of the ability of the eligible entity 
     to enter into partnerships with community-based or nonprofit 
     providers of treatments, interventions, and services, which 
     may include providers that act as advocates for individuals 
     with autism spectrum disorders and local governments that 
     provide services for individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders at the community level;
       ``(H) a description of the ways in which access to such 
     treatments and services may be sustained following the 
     Program period;
       ``(I) a description of the ways in which the eligible 
     entity plans to collaborate with other entities to develop 
     and sustain an effective protocol for successful transition 
     from children's services to adult services for individuals 
     with autism spectrum disorder, particularly for individuals 
     between the ages of 18 and 25; and
       ``(J) a description of the compliance of the eligible 
     entity with the integration requirement provided under 
     section 302 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
     (42 U.S.C. 12182).
       ``(d) Grants.--The Secretary shall award 3-year grants to 
     eligible entities whose applications are approved under 
     subsection (c). Such grants shall be used to--
       ``(1) carry out a program designed to meet the goals 
     described in subsection (b) and the requirements described in 
     subsection (c); and
       ``(2) facilitate coordination with local communities to be 
     better prepared and positioned to understand and meet the 
     needs of the communities served by autism care programs.
       ``(e) Advisory Councils.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each recipient of a grant under this 
     section shall establish an autism care program advisory 
     council, which shall advise the autism care program regarding 
     policies, priorities, and services.
       ``(2) Membership.--Each recipient of a grant shall appoint 
     members of the recipient's advisory council, which shall 
     include a variety of autism care program service providers, 
     individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about 
     autism spectrum disorders, individuals receiving services 
     through the Program, and family members of such individuals. 
     At least 60 percent of the membership shall be comprised of 
     individuals who have received, or are receiving, services 
     through the Program or who are family members of such 
     individuals.
       ``(3) Chairperson.--The recipient of a grant shall appoint 
     a chairperson to the advisory council of the recipient's 
     autism care program who shall be--
       ``(A) an individual with autism spectrum disorder who has 
     received, or is receiving, services through the Program; or
       ``(B) a family member of such an individual.

[[Page S2528]]

       ``(f) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall enter into a 
     contract with an independent third-party organization with 
     expertise in evaluation activities to conduct an evaluation 
     and, not later than 180 days after the conclusion of the 3-
     year grant program under this section, submit a report to the 
     Secretary, which may include measures such as whether and to 
     what degree the treatments, interventions, and services 
     provided through the Program have resulted in improved 
     health, educational, employment, and community integration 
     outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, or 
     other measures, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(g) Administrative Expenses.--Of the amounts appropriated 
     to carry out this section, the Secretary shall allocate not 
     more than 7 percent for administrative expenses, including 
     the expenses related to carrying out the evaluation described 
     in subsection (f).
       ``(h) Supplement Not Supplant.--Amounts provided to an 
     entity under this section shall be used to supplement, not 
     supplant, amounts otherwise expended for existing treatments, 
     interventions, and services for individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorders.''.

     SEC. 6. PLANNING AND DEMONSTRATION GRANTS FOR SERVICES FOR 
                   TRANSITIONING YOUTH AND ADULTS.

       Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 280i), as amended by section 5, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 399GG-2. PLANNING AND DEMONSTRATION GRANTS FOR 
                   SERVICES FOR TRANSITIONING YOUTH AND ADULTS.

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish the 
     grants described in paragraph (2) in order to enable selected 
     eligible entities to provide appropriate services--
       ``(A) to youth with autism spectrum disorders who are 
     transitioning from secondary education to careers or 
     postsecondary education (referred to in this section as 
     `transitioning youth'); and
       ``(B) to adults with autism spectrum disorders, including 
     individuals who are typically underserved, to enable such 
     individuals to be as independent as possible.
       ``(2) Grants.--The grants described in this paragraph are--
       ``(A) a one-time, single-year planning grant program for 
     eligible entities; and
       ``(B) a multiyear service provision demonstration grant 
     program for selected eligible entities.
       ``(b) Purpose of Grants.--Grants shall be awarded to 
     eligible entities to provide all or part of the funding 
     needed to carry out programs that focus on critical aspects 
     of life for transitioning youth and adults with autism 
     spectrum disorders, such as--
       ``(1) postsecondary education, vocational training, self-
     advocacy skills, and employment;
       ``(2) residential services and supports, housing, and 
     transportation;
       ``(3) nutrition, health and wellness, recreational and 
     social activities; and
       ``(4) personal safety and the needs of individuals with 
     autism spectrum disorders who become involved with the 
     criminal justice system.
       ``(c) Eligible Entity.--An eligible entity desiring to 
     receive a grant under this section shall be a State or other 
     public or private nonprofit organization, including an autism 
     care program.
       ``(d) Planning Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award one-time 
     grants to eligible entities to support the planning and 
     development of initiatives that will expand and enhance 
     service delivery systems for transitioning youth and adults 
     with autism spectrum disorders.
       ``(2) Application.--In order to receive such a grant, an 
     eligible entity shall--
       ``(A) submit an application at such time and containing 
     such information as the Secretary may require; and
       ``(B) demonstrate the ability to carry out such planning 
     grant in coordination with the State Developmental 
     Disabilities Council and organizations representing or 
     serving individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their 
     families.
       ``(e) Implementation Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
     eligible entities that have received a planning grant under 
     subsection (d) to enable such entities to provide appropriate 
     services to transitioning youth and adults with autism 
     spectrum disorders.
       ``(2) Application.--In order to receive a grant under 
     paragraph (1), the eligible entity shall submit an 
     application at such time and containing such information as 
     the Secretary may require, including--
       ``(A) the services that the eligible entity proposes to 
     provide and the expected outcomes for individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorders who receive such services;
       ``(B) the number of individuals and families who will be 
     served by such grant, including an estimate of the 
     individuals and families in underserved areas who will be 
     served by such grant;
       ``(C) the ways in which services will be coordinated among 
     both public and nonprofit providers of services for 
     transitioning youth and adults with disabilities, including 
     community-based services;
       ``(D) where applicable, the process through which the 
     eligible entity will distribute funds to a range of 
     community-based or nonprofit providers of services, including 
     local governments, and such entity's capacity to provide such 
     services;
       ``(E) the process through which the eligible entity will 
     monitor and evaluate the outcome of activities funded through 
     the grant, including the effect of the activities upon adults 
     with autism spectrum disorders who receive such services;
       ``(F) the plans of the eligible entity to coordinate and 
     streamline transitions from youth to adult services;
       ``(G) the process by which the eligible entity will ensure 
     compliance with the integration requirement provided under 
     section 302 of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 
     (42 U.S.C. 12182); and
       ``(H) a description of how such services may be sustained 
     following the grant period.
       ``(f) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall contract with a 
     third-party organization with expertise in evaluation to 
     evaluate such demonstration grant program and, not later than 
     180 days after the conclusion of the grant program under 
     subsection (e), submit a report to the Secretary. The 
     evaluation and report may include an analysis of whether and 
     to what extent the services provided through the grant 
     program described in this section resulted in improved 
     health, education, employment, and community integration 
     outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorders, or other 
     measures, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(g) Administrative Expenses.--Of the amounts appropriated 
     to carry out this section, the Secretary shall set aside not 
     more than 7 percent for administrative expenses, including 
     the expenses related to carrying out the evaluation described 
     in subsection (f).
       ``(h) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Demonstration grant funds 
     provided under this section shall supplement, not supplant, 
     existing treatments, interventions, and services for 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorders.''.

     SEC. 7. MULTIMEDIA CAMPAIGN.

       Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 280i), as amended by section 6, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 399GG-3. MULTIMEDIA CAMPAIGN.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in order to enhance 
     existing awareness campaigns and provide for the 
     implementation of new campaigns, shall award grants to public 
     and nonprofit private entities for the purpose of carrying 
     out multimedia campaigns to increase public education and 
     awareness and reduce stigma concerning--
       ``(1) healthy developmental milestones for infants and 
     children that may assist in the early identification of the 
     signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders; and
       ``(2) autism spectrum disorders through the lifespan and 
     the challenges that individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders face, which may include transitioning into 
     adulthood, securing appropriate job training or postsecondary 
     education, securing and holding jobs, finding suitable 
     housing, interacting with the correctional system, increasing 
     independence, and attaining a good quality of life.
       ``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     subsection (a), an entity shall--
       ``(1) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, 
     in such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Secretary may require; and
       ``(2) provide assurance that the multimedia campaign 
     implemented under such grant will provide information that is 
     tailored to the intended audience, which may be a diverse 
     public audience or a specific audience, such as health 
     professionals, criminal justice professionals, or emergency 
     response professionals.''.

     SEC. 8. NATIONAL TRAINING INITIATIVES ON AUTISM SPECTRUM 
                   DISORDERS.

       Part R of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 280i), as amended by section 7, is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 399GG-4. NATIONAL TRAINING INITIATIVES ON AUTISM 
                   SPECTRUM DISORDERS.

       ``(a) National Training Initiative Supplemental Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award multiyear 
     national training initiative supplemental grants to eligible 
     entities so that such entities may provide training and 
     technical assistance and to disseminate information, in order 
     to enable such entities to address the unmet needs of 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their 
     families.
       ``(2) Eligible entity.--To be eligible to receive 
     assistance under this section an entity shall--
       ``(A) be a public or private nonprofit entity, including 
     University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
     Disabilities and other service, training, and academic 
     entities; and
       ``(B) submit an application as described in paragraph (3).
       ``(3) Requirements.--An eligible entity that desires to 
     receive a grant under this paragraph shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application containing such agreements and 
     information as the Secretary may require, including 
     agreements that the training program shall--
       ``(A) provide training and technical assistance in 
     evidence-based practices of effective interventions, 
     services, treatments, and supports to children and adults on 
     the autism spectrum and their families, and evaluate the 
     implementation of such practices;

[[Page S2529]]

       ``(B) provide trainees with an appropriate balance of 
     interdisciplinary academic and community-based experiences;
       ``(C) have a demonstrated capacity to include individuals 
     with autism spectrum disorders, parents, and family members 
     as part of the training program to ensure that a person and 
     family-centered approach is used;
       ``(D) provide to the Secretary, in the manner prescribed by 
     the Secretary, data regarding the outcomes of the provision 
     of training and technical assistance;
       ``(E) demonstrate a capacity to share and disseminate 
     materials and practices that are developed and evaluated to 
     be effective in the provision of training and technical 
     assistance; and
       ``(F) provide assurances that training, technical 
     assistance, and information dissemination performed under 
     grants made pursuant to this paragraph shall be consistent 
     with the goals established under already existing disability 
     programs authorized under Federal law and conducted in 
     coordination with other relevant State agencies and service 
     providers.
       ``(4) Activities.--An entity that receives a grant under 
     this section shall expand and develop interdisciplinary 
     training and continuing education initiatives for health, 
     allied health, and educational professionals by engaging in 
     the following activities:
       ``(A) Promoting and engaging in training for health, allied 
     health, and educational professionals to identify, diagnose, 
     and develop interventions for individuals with, or at risk of 
     developing, autism spectrum disorders.
       ``(B) Expanding the availability of training and 
     dissemination of information regarding effective, lifelong 
     interventions, educational services, and community supports.
       ``(C) Providing training and technical assistance in 
     collaboration with relevant State, regional, or national 
     agencies, institutions of higher education, and advocacy 
     groups or community-based service providers, including health 
     and allied health professionals, employment providers, direct 
     support professionals, emergency first responder personnel, 
     and law enforcement officials.
       ``(D) Developing mechanisms to provide training and 
     technical assistance, including for-credit courses, intensive 
     summer institutes, continuing education programs, distance-
     based programs, and web-based information dissemination 
     strategies.
       ``(E) Collecting data on the outcomes of training and 
     technical assistance programs to meet statewide needs for the 
     expansion of services to children with autism spectrum 
     disorders and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
       ``(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall reserve 2 
     percent of the appropriated funds to make a grant to a 
     national organization with demonstrated capacity for 
     providing training and technical assistance to the entities 
     receiving grants under subsection (a) to enable such entities 
     to--
       ``(1) assist in national dissemination of specific 
     information, including evidence-based and promising best 
     practices, from interdisciplinary training programs, and when 
     appropriate, other entities whose findings would inform the 
     work performed by entities awarded grants;
       ``(2) compile and disseminate strategies and materials that 
     prove to be effective in the provision of training and 
     technical assistance so that the entire network can benefit 
     from the models, materials, and practices developed in 
     individual programs;
       ``(3) assist in the coordination of activities of grantees 
     under this section;
       ``(4) develop an Internet web portal that will provide 
     linkages to each of the individual training initiatives and 
     provide access to training modules, promising training, and 
     technical assistance practices and other materials developed 
     by grantees;
       ``(5) convene experts from multiple interdisciplinary 
     training programs and individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorders and their families to discuss and make 
     recommendations with regard to training issues related to the 
     assessment, diagnosis of, treatment, interventions and 
     services for, children and adults with autism spectrum 
     disorders; and
       ``(6) undertake any other functions that the Secretary 
     determines to be appropriate.
       ``(c) Supplement Not Supplant.--Amounts provided under this 
     section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, amounts 
     otherwise expended for existing network or organizational 
     structures.''.

     SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 
     2012 through 2016 such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     this Act.
                                 ______