Autism: telehealth task force.

Existing law requires the State Department of Developmental Services to develop evaluation and diagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of autism disorder and other autistic spectrum disorders, as specified. Existing law also requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to convene, with input from the University of California, the California State University, the department, and other appropriate entities, an advisory committee to develop recommendations identifying the means by which public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, can better serve pupils with autism spectrum disorders and their parents. This bill would, until January 1, 2019, require the department to establish an autism telehealth task force and identify a lead administrator to be responsible for the activities and work of the task force. The task force would be required to provide the department with recommendations in the area of telehealth services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, as specified.