NAC427A.555. Determination of autism spectrum disorder: Approved diagnostic tools; waiver to use alternative diagnostic tools.

     1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, when determining whether a person is a person with autism spectrum disorder pursuant to NRS 427A.872, a public agency providing autism services shall:

     (a) Use the module of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, adopted by reference in subsection 3, that is appropriate to the person;

     (b) Use a diagnostic tool approved by the Division that includes a formal interview with the parents of the person or, if found to be appropriate by the professional making the determination, a different relative or caregiver of the person; and

     (c) Ensure that any professional making the determination is fully trained in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the diagnostic tool.

     2. If a public agency providing autism services wishes to use a diagnostic tool other than the tools listed in subsection 1 to determine whether a person is a person with autism spectrum disorder, the public agency providing autism services must obtain a waiver from the Division before using the alternative diagnostic tool. The Division may grant such a waiver if the public agency providing autism services demonstrates that the alternative diagnostic tool includes, without limitation:

     (a) Direct observation of the person by the professional conducting the assessment;

     (b) A review of the person’s developmental history; and

     (c) Components to:

          (1) Determine the person’s cognitive level;

          (2) Measure the person’s adaptive, social and emotional behavior; and

          (3) Assess the person’s receptive and expressive language levels.

     3. The most recently published version of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule by Western Psychological Services is hereby adopted by reference and is effective unless, within 30 days after its publication, the Administrator gives written notice that all or part of the revisions to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule are not suitable for this State. If the Administrator gives notice pursuant to this subsection, any part deemed unsuitable is not effective in this State beginning 30 days after the notice is published. This publication is available by mail from Western Psychological Services, 625 Alaska Avenue, Torrance, California 90503-5124, or at the Internet address http://www.wpspublish.com/ for the price of $1,995.

     (Added to NAC by Aging & Disability Services Div. by R013-12, eff. 9-14-2012)