For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) AUTISM SERVICES. Any developmental services that include all of the following:

a. Are designed to meet developmental needs of an individual with ASD across the lifespan, including transitions from early intervention to preschool, childhood to adolescence, and adolescence to adulthood.

b. Are selected in collaboration with the parents or guardians of children with ASD or adults with ASD.

c. Are delivered in inclusive environments, to the extent practical.

d. Are part of a coordinated system of care.

(2) AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD). ASD is a developmental disability that causes substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASD have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout the life of a person with the disorder. ASD may range from a severe form, called autistic disorder, to a milder form, called Asperger Syndrome. If a child has symptoms of either of these disorders, but does not satisfy the specific criteria for either, the diagnosis is called Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

(3) COORDINATED SYSTEM OF CARE. The total effort in the state, inclusive of service coordination/case management, that is directed at meeting the needs of individuals with ASD and their families. Such a system promotes the full potential of individuals with ASD across their lifespan.

(4) COUNCIL. The Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council.

(5) LEAD AGENCY. A participating agency designated to be the lead agency for the council.

(6) PARTICIPATING AGENCY. A department, commission, council, board, division, community service provider, or an office or other entity which may provide services to individuals with ASD and their families including, but not limited to, the following:

a. The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, including the Office of School Readiness and the Head Start Program.

b. The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.

c. The Alabama Department of Education.

d. The Alabama Department of Human Resources.

e. The Alabama Department of Insurance.

f. The Alabama Department of Mental Health.

g. The Alabama Department of Public Health.

h. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.

i. The Alabama Medicaid Agency.

j. The University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service.

k. Universities of higher education.

l. The Autism Society of Alabama.

m. The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities.

(7) POLICIES. Directives by the lead agency, participating agencies, the executive committee, or other written documents that represent the position of the council concerning any matter within the purview of this article.

(8) SERVICE PROVIDER. Any individual, other than a physician licensed to practice medicine, or public or private agency which does any of the following:

a. Consults with or provides services to individuals with ASD, the parents or guardians of individuals with ASD, or both.

b. Consults with or provides services to other ASD service providers.

c. Assists parents or guardians of individuals with ASD and others to provide services.

d. The term service provider shall not include nor refer to a physician licensed to practice medicine.