The state Department of Education and the University of Southern Mississippi will provide a new school-based program for children with autism.

Danita Munday of the state Department of Education says the program will assess children with autism, provide research-based services to students, train parents and support school district personnel.

A committee will decide which students will participate in the program.

The new autism program will use federal funds at an estimated cost of $1.3 million over three years.