The legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Education to invest $20 million each year for five years in programs, grants and scholarships to train teachers who work with autistic students. Those eligible include both college students studying to become teachers, and current educators, according to Doyle spokesperson Tina Maggio.

The legislation would provide an additional $5 million each year for states to invest in similar teacher preparation and education programs. It also would provide for a tax credit of up to $10,000 each year for teachers who pass certified courses on autism education.

"Autistic children are smart and intelligent children, but in order for them to be able to take full advantage of their learning potential, they need to be to be surrounded by professionally developed and trained teachers, or teachers' aides with an expertise in autism spectrum disorders," Doyle said.

"This bill will help to expand upon the educational opportunities for children with autism by simply giving their teachers the tools to teach them better."

Furthermore, the legislation would require reviews of how local school districts educate students with autism, as well as a study of job training programs for people with autism.

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that typically is diagnosed during the first three years of life. It affects one in every 500 children in America.

Autism Society of America President Lee Grossman said his organization is pleased with the proposal.

"The lack of trained teachers has been of great concern to the autism community for some time, and it is a problem that is only getting worse as more and more children are diagnosed with autism each year," he said.

During the current school year, Penn Hills School District worked with parents to implement a support class in which a specially trained teacher and a teacher's assistant were hired to work with autistic students.

Penn Hills Superintendent Dr. Samuel DePaul said the district plans to add another autism support class.

"The autism support class was extremely successful, and there was definite progress made by the children throughout the year," he said. "As we see more and more children with autism entering our schools, we need to look at how to adequately address their needs."

The legislation has been referred to the House Education and Work Force Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

Maggio stressed the legislation has strong support on the grassroots level.

Renee Georgi, president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Alliance for Autism Research, commended Doyle and Smith for introducing the legislation.

"For years, parents of autistic children have called for better training and understanding on the part of teachers and aides," she said. "I know many of our educators want to help students with autism but simply don't have the means. This initiative will greatly help our children reach their maximum potential."

Last year, Doyle formed Congressional Autism Caucus.

"My interest in forming CARE culminated when I was invited by local research leaders to visit the Center for Autism Research in Pittsburgh," Doyle said. "This visit made me realize that the voice of local researchers, advocacy leaders, and parents needed to be heard by Congress so that they, too, could be educated about the need for more advanced and dedicated research."

CARE has 174 House members from 43 states.