Autistic Children Research Act

Autistic Children Research Act - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) plan and develop a coordinated autism research program encompassing the programs of the National Institutes of Health and related programs of other research institutes, and other Federal and non-Federal programs; (2) collect, analyze and disseminate all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of autism; and (3) establish comprehensive, coordinated, diagnostic, and evaluation procedures that provide for early detection and effective guidance for autistic children.

Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and loans to public or private nonprofit entities operating or proposing to operate residential centers with education programs for autistic children. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $5,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1978 for the purpose of making such loans and grants.

Defines the term "autistic" to mean severe disorders of communication and behavior, including various child psychoses.