Amount Requested: $1,000,000

FY2010 funding will be used by Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital for construction, equipment purchases and program development needs associated with the establishment of an Autism Center.  The Autism Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital will provide comprehensive, high quality pediatric health programs for children and families impacted by autism.  Clinical staff will be able to conduct initial full assessments of patients, coordinate initial referrals for hospital outpatient testing, and conduct follow-up visits with patients and families, in order to provide on-going monitor of patient progress. Physicians and staff will then be able to recommend immediate and long-term treatment options to meet each patient’s specific developmental and educational needs and coordinate referrals and recommendations for patients and families, through a network of resources in Texas, the Southwest Region, and throughout the United States.