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Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following:
‘An Act To Clarify the Definition of Autism’
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the summary and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1. 34-B MRSA §6002,  as enacted by PL 1983, c. 824, Pt. U, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
§ 6002.  Autism defined
 
1.  Generally.     Autism refers to a developmental disorder characterized by a lack of responsiveness to other people, gross impairment in communicative skills and unusual responses to various aspects of the environment, all usually developing within the first 30 months of age.
 
2.  Adult with autism.     An adult with autism is an adult who:
 
A.  Has received a diagnosis that falls within the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association and as may be updated by rule adopted by the department in response to updates or changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; and
 
B. Has been assessed as having an adaptive behavior score at a level of functional impairment as determined by the department.’
 
SUMMARY
This amendment replaces the bill. The amendment defines autism with respect to adults by reference to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and by an adaptive behavior score that is at a level of functional impairment as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)