About TARRC
The Texas Autism Research & Resource Center (TARRC) was created by House Bill (HB) 1574 (81st Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2009) in response to needs expressed by the autism community. The Center's primary purpose is to coordinate resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. When fully implemented, the Center will:
- disseminate information and research on autism and other pervasive developmental disorders;
- conduct training and development activities for some professionals;
- coordinate with local entities that provide services; and
- provide support to families affected by autism.
The Center is a project of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), a state agency with its main office located in Austin, Texas. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is a partner in developing and operating TARRC. Project planning has been collaborative, involving staff experts across the state from:
- numerous state agencies that provide autism services;
- university-based autism programs;
- education service centers; and
- nonprofit organizations.
This Consortium of organizations, each with an interest in autism services and/or research, is sharing ideas and working together to design a premiere resource center for Texans.
Work on developing the Center has been steady and purposeful since the passage of HB 1574. In December 2009, the TARRC Consortium met for the first time to discuss ideas and goals for the Center. The Consortium remains active today, meeting regularly with DADS staff to envision the possibilities for TARRC. Together, our goals are that one day Texas' Center will ensure the best possible statewide coordination of existing resources and determine the most effective ways to serve individuals, families and professionals. We anticipate that TARRC will be implemented in phases, as additional resources become available.
This website represents one of the Center's first initiatives. TARRC's "virtual" resource center is designed to assist individuals with ASD, family members and professionals in locating important resources and services they need to live, learn, work and recreate in their community more effectively.
Whether you are a parent seeking resources for your recently diagnosed child, an individual with autism seeking information to assist you in reaching goals, or a professional who cares about improving your interactions with someone on the spectrum — we hope you will find the TARRC website helpful. To learn more about the website and plans for future features, click here.
The Center is a work in progress. We ask that you please visit our website frequently to stay abreast of current and future TARRC initiatives and to experience new website features as they are released. Further, we invite you to share your ideas on what you would like to see on this website. Your input makes a difference. It helps us make a difference in the lives of Texans living with autism.
Thank you for your interest in TARRC.
Updated: February 8, 2013