Section 270.20  Definitions

For the purposes of this Part, the following terms are defined:

"Autism" means a severely incapacitating life-long developmental disability that: 

may be manifested before a person is 30 months of age;

may be caused by physical disorders of the brain; and

is characterized by uneven intellectual development and a combination of disturbances in the rates and sequences of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, language and speech development. 

This syndrome is further evidenced by abnormal responses to sensory stimuli, problems in developing social relationships, and ritualistic and compulsive behavior.

"Autism Research Fund" means a special fund in the State Treasury that is for the purpose of funding research concerning autism. 

"Autism Task Force" means the task force appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services that offers policy recommendations on autism services to the Secretary and that assisted in preparing the September 1, 2005 report to the Governor and the General Assembly required by Public Act 93-773.

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Human Services.

"Research" means, without limitation, expenditures to develop and advance the understanding, techniques, and modalities effective in the detection, prevention, screening, and treatment of autism and may include clinical trials.

"Scientific Review Committee" means the body mandated by Section 10-8 of the Department of Human Services Act [20 ILCS 1305/10-8] to review and assess applications for the grants authorized by that statute.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services.