House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Spell urges the Louisiana Department of Health and the state Department of Education, in collaboration with the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of autism support services in Louisiana. The resolution highlights the significant impact of autism spectrum disorder on individuals and families in the state, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and timely access to specialized support services across health, education, and community sectors. It calls for a thorough evaluation of existing clinical assessment tools, diagnostic protocols, and evaluation processes to ensure they align with best practices and address any deficiencies.

The report, which is to be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027, will assess various factors including standardization, training requirements, wait times, cultural competency, and overall diagnostic quality. It will also compare Louisiana's autism support services and diagnostic practices with those in other states, identify system and service gaps, and address issues such as service utilization trends and workforce gaps. This initiative is in response to the federal government's focus on improving outcomes for children with autism and aims to enhance the quality of support services available to families in Louisiana.