,i #aacth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #djaj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,february #f1 #bjad,mr4 ,cartwright introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce ,a ,,bill ,to provide for enhanced treatment1 support1 services1 and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,autism ,services and ,workforce ,acceleration ,act of #bjad4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,findings4,sec4 #c4 ,parental rights rule of construction4,sec4 #d4 ,definitions2 technical amendment to the ,public ,health ,service ,act4,sec4 #e4 ,autism ,care ,programs ,demonstration ,project4,sec4 #f4 ,planning and demonstration grants for services for transitioning youth and adults4,sec4 #g4 ,multimedia campaign4,sec4 #h4 ,national training initiatives on autism spectrum disorders4,sec4 #i4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,autism 7sometimes called classical autism7 is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as autism spectrum disorders4 7#b7 ,autism spectrum disorders include autism as well as ,asperger syndrome1 ,retts syndrome1 childhood disintegrative disorder1 and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified 7usually referred to as ,,pdd-,,nos71 as well as other related developmental disorders4 7#c7 ,individuals with autism spectrum disorders have the same rights as other individuals to exert control and choice over their own lives1 to live independently1 and to participate fully in1 and contribute to1 their communities and society through full integration and inclusion in the economic1 political1 social1 cultural1 and educational mainstream of society4 ,individuals with autism spectrum disorders have the right to a life with dignity and purpose4 7#d7 ,while there is no uniform prevalence or severity of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders1 the ,national ,institutes of ,health has determined that autism spectrum disorders are characterized by #c distinctive behaviors3 impaired social interaction1 problems with verbal and nonverbal communication1 and unusual1 repetitive1 or severely limited activities and interests4 7#e7 ,both children and adults with autism spectrum disorders can show difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication1 social interactions1 and sensory processing4 ,individuals with autism spectrum disorders exhibit different symptoms or behaviors1 which may range from mild to significant1 and require varying degrees of support from friends1 families1 service providers1 and communities4 7#f7 ,individuals with autism spectrum disorders often need assistance in the areas of comprehensive early intervention1 health1 recreation1 job training1 employment1 housing1 transportation1 and early1 primary1 and secondary education4 ,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 lifespan4 7#g7 ,a #bjji report from the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention found that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders is estimated to be #a in #aaj people in the ,united ,states4 7#h7 ,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 #ce1jjj1jjj1jjj annually 7an estimated #c1bjj1jjj over an individual's lifetime74 7#i7 ,although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe1 researchers with the ,journal of ,paediatrics and ,child ,health have found that males are #d times more likely to develop an autism spectrum disorder than females4 ,autism spectrum disorders know no racial1 ethnic1 or social boundaries1 nor differences in family income1 lifestyle1 or educational levels1 and can affect any child4 7#aj7 ,individuals with autism spectrum disorders from low-income1 rural1 and minority communities often face significant obstacles to accurate diagnosis and necessary specialized services1 supports1 and education4 7#aa7 ,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-thirds1 but also yields the most positive life outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders4 7#ab7 ,individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families experience a wide range of medical issues4 ,few common standards exist for the diagnosis and management of many aspects of clinical care4 ,behavioral difficulties may be attributed to the overarching disorder rather than to the pain and discomfort of a medical condition1 which may go undetected and untreated4 ,the health care and other treatments available in different communities can vary widely4 ,many families1 lacking access to comprehensive and coordinated health care1 must fend for themselves to find the best health care1 treatments1 and services in a complex clinical world4 7#ac7 ,effective health care1 treatment1 and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders depends upon a continuous exchange among researchers and caregivers4 ,evidence-based and promising autism practices should move quickly into communities1 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 affects4 7#ad7 ,there is a critical shortage of appropriately trained personnel across numerous important disciplines who can assess1 diagnose1 treat1 and support children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families4 ,practicing professionals1 as well as those in training to become professionals1 need the most up-to-date practices informed by the most current research findings4 7#ae7 ,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 general1 as established in the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaja et seq473 to assure equality of opportunity1 full participation1 independent living1 and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals4 7#af7 ,finally1 individuals with autism spectrum disorders are often denied health care benefits solely because of their diagnosis1 even though proven1 effective treatments for autism spectrum disorders do exist4 #c4 ,parental rights rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act shall be construed to modify the legal rights of parents or legal guardians under ,federal1 ,state1 or local law regarding the care of their children4 #d4 ,definitions2 technical amendment to the ,public ,health ,service ,act ,part ,r of title ,,iii of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bhj;i et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting after the header for part ,r the following3 #a ,surveillance and ,research ,program2 ,education1 ,early ,detection1 and ,intervention2 and ,reporting 2 7#b7 in section #cii;,,aa7d71 by striking part and inserting subpart2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 #b ,care for people with autism spectrum disorders2 public education #cii;,,gg4 ,definitions ,except as otherwise provided1 in this subpart3 7#a7 ,adult with autism spectrum disorder ,the term adult with autism spectrum disorder means an individual with an autism spectrum disorder who has attained #bb years of age4 7#b7 ,affected individual ,the term affected individual means an individual with an autism spectrum disorder4 7#c7 ,autism ,the term autism means an autism spectrum disorder or a related developmental disability4 7#d7 ,autism care program ,in this subpart1 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 medical1 psychological1 behavioral1 educational1 and family services to individuals with autism and their families4 ,such a program shall-- 7,a7 incorporate the attributes of the care management model2 7,b7 offer1 through an array of services or through detailed referral and coordinated care arrangements1 an autism management team of appropriate providers1 including behavioral specialists1 physicians1 psychologists1 social workers1 family therapists1 nurse practitioners1 nurses1 educators1 and other appropriate personnel2 and 7,c7 have the capability to achieve improvements in the management and coordination of care for targeted beneficiaries4 7#e7 ,autism management team ,the term autism management team means a group of autism care providers1 including behavioral specialists1 physicians1 psychologists1 social workers1 family therapists1 nurse practitioners1 nurses1 educators1 other appropriate personnel1 and family members who work in a coordinated manner to treat individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families4 ,such team shall determine the specific structure and operational model of its specific autism care program1 taking into consideration cultural1 regional1 and geographical factors4 7#f7 ,autism spectrum disorder ,the term autism spectrum disorder means a developmental disability that causes substantial impairments in the areas of social interaction1 emotional regulation1 communication1 and the integration of higher-order cognitive processes and which may be characterized by the presence of unusual behaviors and interests4 ,such term includes autistic disorder1 pervasive developmental disorder 7not otherwise specified71 ,asperger syndrome1 ,retts disorder1 childhood disintegrative disorder1 and other related developmental disorders4 7#g7 ,care management model ,the term care management model means a model of care that with respect to autism-- 7,a7 is centered on the relationship between an individual with an autism spectrum disorder and his or her family and their personal autism care coordinator2 7,b7 provides services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders to improve the management and coordination of care provided to individuals and their families2 and 7,c7 has established1 where practicable1 effective referral relationships between the autism care coordinator and the major medical1 educational1 and behavioral specialties and ancillary services in the region4 7#h7 ,child with autism spectrum disorder ,the term child with autism spectrum disorder means an individual with an autism spectrum disorder who has not attained #bb years of age4 7#i7 ,interventions ,the term interventions means the educational methods and positive behavioral support strategies designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders4 7#aj7 ,personal care coordinator ,the term personal care coordinator means a physician1 nurse1 nurse practitioner1 psychologist1 social worker1 family therapist1 educator1 or other appropriate personnel 7as determined by the ,secretary7 who has extensive expertise in treatment and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders1 who-- 7,a7 practices in an autism care program2 and 7,b7 has been trained to coordinate and manage comprehensive autism care for the whole person4 7#aa7 ,project ,the term project means the autism care program demonstration project established under section #cii;,,gg-#a4 7#ab7 ,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 life4 7#ac7 ,treatments ,the term treatments means the health services1 including mental health and behavioral therapy services1 designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders4 4 #e4 ,autism ,care ,programs ,demonstration ,project ,part ,r of title ,,iii of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bhj;i71 as amended by section #d1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #cii;,,gg-#a4 ,autism ,care ,programs demonstration project 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,autism ,services and ,workforce ,acceleration ,act of #bjad1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,health ,resources and ,services ,administration1 shall establish a demonstration project for the implementation of an ,autism ,care ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program7 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 families4 7b7 ,goals ,the ,program shall be designed-- 7#a7 to increase-- 7,a7 comprehensive autism spectrum disorder care delivery2 7,b7 access to appropriate health care services1 especially wellness and prevention care1 at times convenient for individuals2 7,c7 satisfaction of individuals with autism spectrum disorders2 7,d7 communication among autism spectrum disorder health care providers1 behaviorists1 educators1 specialists1 hospitals1 and other autism spectrum disorder care providers2 7,e7 academic progress of students with autism spectrum disorders2 7,f7 successful transition to postsecondary education1 vocational or job training and placement1 and comprehensive adult services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders1 focusing in particular upon the transitional period for individuals between the ages of #ah and #be2 7,g7 the quality of health care services1 taking into account nationally developed standards and measures2 7,h7 development1 review1 and promulgation of common clinical standards and guidelines for medical care to individuals with autism spectrum disorders2 7,i7 development of clinical research projects to support clinical findings in a search for recommended practices2 and 7,j7 the quality of life of individuals with autism spectrum disorders1 including communication abilities1 social skills1 community integration1 self-determination1 and employment and other related services2 and 7#b7 to decrease-- 7,a7 inappropriate emergency room utilization2 7,b7 avoidable hospitalizations2 7,c7 the duplication of health care services2 7,d7 the inconvenience of multiple provider locations2 7,e7 health disparities and inequalities that individuals with autism spectrum disorders face2 and 7,f7 preventable and inappropriate involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems4 7c7 ,eligible entities ,to be eligible to receive assistance under the ,program1 an entity shall-- 7#a7 be a ,state or a public or private nonprofit entity2 7#b7 coordinate activities with the applicable ,university ,centers for ,excellence in ,developmental ,disabilities1 the ,council on ,developmental ,disabilities1 and the ,protection and ,advocacy ,system2 7#c7 demonstrate a capacity to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder2 7#d7 agree to establish and implement treatments1 interventions1 and services that-- 7,a7 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 individual2 7,b7 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 intervention2 7,c7 establish a network of physicians1 psychologists1 family therapists1 behavioral specialists1 social workers1 educators1 and health centers that have volunteered to participate as consultants to patient-centered autism care programs to provide high-quality care1 focusing on autism spectrum disorder care1 at the appropriate times and places and in a cost-effective manner2 7,d7 work in cooperation with hospitals1 local public health departments1 and the network of patient-centered autism care programs1 to coordinate and provide health care2 7,e7 utilize health information technology to facilitate the provision and coordination of health care by network participants2 and 7,f7 collaborate with other entities to further the goals of the program1 particularly by collaborating with entities that provide transitional adult services to individuals between the ages of #ah and #be with autism spectrum disorder1 to ensure successful transition of such individuals to adulthood2 and 7#e7 submit to the ,secretary an application1 at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including-- 7,a7 a description of the treatments1 interventions1 or services that the eligible entity proposes to provide under the ,program2 7,b7 a demonstration of the capacity of the eligible entity to provide or establish such treatments1 interventions1 and services within such entity2 7,c7 a description of the treatments1 interventions1 or services that are available to individuals with autism in the ,state2 7,d7 a description of the gaps in services that exist in different geographic segments of the ,state2 7,e7 a demonstration of the capacity of the eligible entity to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the treatments1 interventions1 and services described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,f7 estimates of the number of individuals and families who will be served by the eligible entity under the ,program1 including an estimate of the number of such individuals and families in medically underserved areas2 7,g7 a description of the ability of the eligible entity to enter into partnerships with community-based or nonprofit providers of treatments1 interventions1 and services1 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 level2 7,h7 a description of the ways in which access to such treatments and services may be sustained following the ,program period2 7,i7 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 disorder1 particularly for individuals between the ages of #ah and #be2 and 7,j7 a description of the compliance of the eligible entity with the integration requirement provided under section #cjb of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abahb74 7d7 ,grants ,the ,secretary shall award #c-year grants to eligible entities whose applications are approved under subsection 7c74 ,such grants shall be used to-- 7#a7 carry out a program designed to meet the goals described in subsection 7b7 and the requirements described in subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 facilitate coordination with local communities to be better prepared and positioned to understand and meet the needs of the communities served by autism care programs4 7e7 ,advisory councils 7#a7 ,in general ,each recipient of a grant under this section shall establish an autism care program advisory council1 which shall advise the autism care program regarding policies1 priorities1 and services4 7#b7 ,membership ,each recipient of a grant shall appoint members of the recipient's advisory council1 which shall include a variety of autism care program service providers1 individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about autism spectrum disorders1 individuals receiving services through the ,program1 and family members of such individuals4 ,at least #fj percent of the membership shall be comprised of individuals who have received1 or are receiving1 services through the ,program or who are family members of such individuals4 7#c7 ,chairperson ,the recipient of a grant shall appoint a chairperson to the advisory council of the recipient's autism care program who shall be-- 7,a7 an individual with autism spectrum disorder who has received1 or is receiving1 services through the ,program2 or 7,b7 a family member of such an individual4 7f7 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary shall enter into a contract with an independent third-party organization with expertise in evaluation activities to conduct an evaluation and1 not later than #ahj days after the conclusion of the #c-year grant program under this section1 submit a report to the ,secretary1 which may include measures such as whether and to what degree the treatments1 interventions1 and services provided through the ,program have resulted in improved health1 educational1 employment1 and community integration outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders1 or other measures1 as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7g7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amounts appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall allocate not more than #g percent for administrative expenses1 including the expenses related to carrying out the evaluation described in subsection 7f74 7h7 ,supplement not supplant ,amounts provided to an entity under this section shall be used to supplement1 not supplant1 amounts otherwise expended for existing treatments1 interventions1 and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders4 4 #f4 ,planning and demonstration grants for services for transitioning youth and adults ,part ,r of title ,,iii of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bhj;i71 as amended by section #e1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #cii;,,gg-#b4 ,planning and demonstration grants for services for transitioning youth and adults 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish the grants described in paragraph 7#b7 in order to enable selected eligible entities to provide appropriate services-- 7,a7 to youth with autism spectrum disorders who are transitioning from secondary education to careers or postsecondary education 7referred to in this section as transitioning youth72 and 7,b7 to adults with autism spectrum disorders1 including individuals who are typically underserved1 to enable such individuals to be as independent as possible4 7#b7 ,grants ,the grants described in this paragraph are-- 7,a7 a one-time1 single-year planning grant program for eligible entities2 and 7,b7 a multiyear service provision demonstration grant program for selected eligible entities4 7b7 ,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 disorders1 such as-- 7#a7 postsecondary education1 vocational training1 self-advocacy skills1 and employment2 7#b7 residential services and supports1 housing1 and transportation2 7#c7 nutrition1 health and wellness1 recreational and social activities2 and 7#d7 personal safety and the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders who become involved with the criminal justice system4 7c7 ,eligible entity ,an eligible entity desiring to receive a grant under this section shall be a ,state or other public or private nonprofit organization1 including an autism care program4 7d7 ,planning grants 7#a7 ,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 disorders4 7#b7 ,application ,in order to receive such a grant1 an eligible entity shall-- 7,a7 submit an application at such time and containing such information as the ,secretary may require2 and 7,b7 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 families4 7e7 ,implementation grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible entities that have received a planning grant under subsection 7d7 to enable such entities to provide appropriate services to transitioning youth and adults with autism spectrum disorders4 7#b7 ,application ,in order to receive a grant under paragraph 7#a71 the eligible entity shall submit an application at such time and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including-- 7,a7 the services that the eligible entity proposes to provide and the expected outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders who receive such services2 7,b7 the number of individuals and families who will be served by such grant1 including an estimate of the individuals and families in underserved areas who will be served by such grant2 7,c7 the ways in which services will be coordinated among both public and nonprofit providers of services for transitioning youth and adults with disabilities1 including community-based services2 7,d7 where applicable1 the process through which the eligible entity will distribute funds to a range of community-based or nonprofit providers of services1 including local governments1 and such entity's capacity to provide such services2 7,e7 the process through which the eligible entity will monitor and evaluate the outcome of activities funded through the grant1 including the effect of the activities upon adults with autism spectrum disorders who receive such services2 7,f7 the plans of the eligible entity to coordinate and streamline transitions from youth to adult services2 7,g7 the process by which the eligible entity will ensure compliance with the integration requirement provided under section #cjb of the ,americans ,with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abahb72 and 7,h7 a description of how such services may be sustained following the grant period4 7f7 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary shall contract with a third-party organization with expertise in evaluation to evaluate such demonstration grant program and1 not later than #ahj days after the conclusion of the grant program under subsection 7e71 submit a report to the ,secretary4 ,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 health1 education1 employment1 and community integration outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorders1 or other measures1 as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7g7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amounts appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall set aside not more than #g percent for administrative expenses1 including the expenses related to carrying out the evaluation described in subsection 7f74 7h7 ,supplement1 not supplant ,demonstration grant funds provided under this section shall supplement1 not supplant1 existing treatments1 interventions1 and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders4 4 #g4 ,multimedia campaign ,part ,r of title ,,iii of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bhj;i71 as amended by section #f1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #cii;,,gg-#c4 ,multimedia campaign 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in order to enhance existing awareness campaigns and provide for the implementation of new campaigns1 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-- 7#a7 healthy developmental milestones for infants and children that may assist in the early identification of the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders2 and 7#b7 autism spectrum disorders through the lifespan and the challenges that individuals with autism spectrum disorders face1 which may include transitioning into adulthood1 securing appropriate job training or postsecondary education1 securing and holding jobs1 finding suitable housing1 interacting with the correctional system1 increasing independence1 and attaining a good quality of life4 7b7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible to receive a grant under subsection 7a71 an entity shall-- 7#a7 submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require2 and 7#b7 provide assurance that the multimedia campaign implemented under such grant will provide information that is tailored to the intended audience1 which may be a diverse public audience or a specific audience1 such as health professionals1 criminal justice professionals1 or emergency response professionals4 4 #h4 ,national training initiatives on autism spectrum disorders ,part ,r of title ,,iii of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bhj;i71 as amended by section #g1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #cii;,,gg-#d4 ,national training initiatives on autism spectrum disorders 7a7 ,national training initiative supplemental grants 7#a7 ,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 information1 in order to enable such entities to address the unmet needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families4 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,to be eligible to receive assistance under this section an entity shall-- 7,a7 be a public or private nonprofit entity1 including ,university ,centers for ,excellence in ,developmental ,disabilities and other service1 training1 and academic entities2 and 7,b7 submit an application as described in paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,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 require1 including agreements that the training program shall-- 7,a7 provide training and technical assistance in evidence-based practices of effective interventions1 services1 treatments1 and supports to children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families1 and evaluate the implementation of such practices2 7,b7 provide trainees with an appropriate balance of interdisciplinary academic and community-based experiences2 7,c7 have a demonstrated capacity to include individuals with autism spectrum disorders1 parents1 and family members as part of the training program to ensure that a person and family-centered approach is used2 7,d7 provide to the ,secretary1 in the manner prescribed by the ,secretary1 data regarding the outcomes of the provision of training and technical assistance2 7,e7 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 assistance2 and 7,f7 provide assurances that training1 technical assistance1 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 providers4 7#d7 ,activities ,an entity that receives a grant under this section shall expand and develop interdisciplinary training and continuing education initiatives for health1 allied health1 and educational professionals by engaging in the following activities3 7,a7 ,promoting and engaging in training for health1 allied health1 and educational professionals to identify1 diagnose1 and develop interventions for individuals with1 or at risk of developing1 autism spectrum disorders4 7,b7 ,expanding the availability of training and dissemination of information regarding effective1 lifelong interventions1 educational services1 and community supports4 7,c7 ,providing training and technical assistance in collaboration with relevant ,state1 regional1 or national agencies1 institutions of higher education1 and advocacy groups or community-based service providers1 including health and allied health professionals1 employment providers1 direct support professionals1 emergency first responder personnel1 and law enforcement officials4 7,d7 ,developing mechanisms to provide training and technical assistance1 including for-credit courses1 intensive summer institutes1 continuing education programs1 distance-based programs1 and ,web-based information dissemination strategies4 7,e7 ,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 disorders4 7b7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall reserve #b 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 7a7 to enable such entities to-- 7#a7 assist in national dissemination of specific information1 including evidence-based and promising best practices1 from interdisciplinary training programs1 and when appropriate1 other entities whose findings would inform the work performed by entities awarded grants2 7#b7 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 models1 materials1 and practices developed in individual programs2 7#c7 assist in the coordination of activities of grantees under this section2 7#d7 develop an ,internet ,web portal that will provide linkages to each of the individual training initiatives and provide access to training modules1 promising training1 and technical assistance practices and other materials developed by grantees2 7#e7 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 assessment1 diagnosis of1 treatment1 interventions and services for1 children and adults with autism spectrum disorders2 and 7#f7 undertake any other functions that the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7c7 ,supplement not supplant ,amounts provided under this section shall be used to supplement1 not supplant1 amounts otherwise expended for existing network or organizational structures4 4 #i4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years #bjae through #bjai such sums as may be necessary to carry out this ,act4