The Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (TCAPDD), a governor-appointed body created by the 70th Texas Legislature, contracted with the Texas Center for Disability Studies to conduct a study to explore the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Texas, determine the diagnostic processes used in the state, and make recommendations regarding the establishment of a tracking system for Texas. This report was the “first cut” in a process to organize information about autism in Texas.
Specifically, the purpose of this study was to develop an objective research-based understanding of three important issues related to autism: the prevalence, the diagnostic practices, and the strategies to establish a tracking system in Texas. The research design included analysis of three statewide database systems and interviews with professionals with either clinical experience in diagnosing autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) commonly referred to as ASDs, or experience and knowledge of the diagnostic process in Texas.
The report was finalized in May, 2006. It tied together what was known from limited data and then made recommendations to help the TCAPDD complete the State Plan for Autism in the summer of of the same year.
Please click here to view the report by the Texas Center for Disability Studies.
Please click here to view the 2006 State Plan for Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders.