HCS/SCS/SB 157 - This act codifies the five regional autism projects currently serving persons with autism and their families through the Division of Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Mental Health. The regional projects may provide certain services, including assessment, advocacy, communication and language therapy, crisis intervention, life skills, and respite care. The list of services that may be provided are specified in the act. The regional autism projects shall each have a regional parent advisory council and the division shall establish the Missouri Parent Advisory Committee on Autism. The act specifies the membership and duties of the council and advisory committee. The division shall establish such programs and services in conjunction with persons with autism, the families of persons with autism, the regional parent advisory councils, and the Missouri Parent Advisory Committee on Autism. This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 525 (2009). ADRIANE CROUSE