(a) Autism screening is not required if the child has been screened for autism by another entity or has been identified as having autism.     
      (b) The contractor does not diagnose autism.     
      (c) If an enrolled child is 18 months or older, the interdisciplinary team must determine if the child:      
        (1) has a family history of autism;       
        (2) has lost previously acquired speech or social skills; or       
        (3) exhibits a language or cognitive delay or unusual communication patterns combined with a social, emotional or behavioral concern, including repetitive or stereotypical behaviors.       
      (d) If the interdisciplinary team identifies any  of the issues in subsection (c) of this section, a member of the team must:      
        (1) explain to the family the importance of early screening for autism;       
        (2) request and obtain written consent for the screening;       
        (3) complete the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised (M-CHAT-R) if the child is not screened by the child's licensed health care provider or is unable to receive the screening from the child's licensed health care provider in a timely manner; and       
        (4) complete the M-CHAT-R follow-up interview for a child who does not pass the M-CHAT-R screening.       
      (e) The contractor must make appropriate referrals if needs are identified. This could  include:      
        (1) a referral to appropriate clinicians for a child who does not pass both the M-CHAT-R and the follow-up interview; and       
        (2) the provision of case management to assist the parent with having an autism screening done by the child's licensed health care provider if they do not consent to a screening by the contractor.       
      (f) The use of the M-CHAT-R screening does not take the place of the appropriate evaluation of the child required under this subchapter.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §350.833 adopted to be effective September 1, 2013, 38 TexReg 5524; amended to be effective March 7, 2015, 40 TexReg 939; transferred effective March 1, 2021, as published in the Texas Register February 5, 2021, 46 TexReg 941