Autism Task Force

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The Caring for Washington Individuals with Autism Task Force was created by Senate Bill 5311 during the 2005 Legislative Session to study and make recommendations to the legislature regarding the growing incidence of autism and ways to improve the delivery and coordination of autism services in the state.  The Department of Health is the lead agency in providing staff for the work of the task force.  The final report and recommendations on how to best prevent, identify, treat, and accommodate the needs of individuals with autism and their families has been completed and submitted to the Governor and the 2007 State Legislature.

Senate Bill 5311 (PDF-12.5 KB)

"Autism Task Force Continues As The Result Of Legislation Passed in 2007"

The final budget from the 2007 State Legislature included funding to continue the Autism Task Force for one more year through June 30, 2008 to prioritize recommendations from the 2006 report, develop implementation plans and cost estimates for the highest priorities, and monitor federal legislation and funding opportunities.

Autism Task Force 2007 Report to Governor and Legislature

The Autism Task Force has completed its’ report detailing development of implementation plans including cost estimates for its’ top priority recommendations. From the time the legislature brought the task force together in mid- July, they had 3 ½ months to choose and detail several issues. Included in the legislative proviso was the creation of a Washington State Guidebook on Autism, which is in work process at the present time and is to be completed by June 30, 2008.

You may contact us with an email through the Autism.Support@doh.wa.gov mailbox. The Autism Task Force appreciates all the time and effort in making contact, sharing information, and concerns.  Thank you.

For further outcomes regarding 2007 legislative activities, see the 2007 Legislative Activities Related to Autism webpage.

ATF Meeting Activities  (2007-2008)

Meeting schedule for 2007-2008

The December 17, 2007 meeting of the Autism Task Force celebrated the completion of the report to the Governor and Legislature. The majority of the work concerned the drafting of the guidebook, learning about insurance issues, and upcoming legislation and the session.

The Autism Task Force Meeting of  November 19, 2007 focused on smoothing out final details of the report for the governor. Additionally, Arzu Forough of Autism Speaks gave a presentation update on autism and insurance matters nationally, followed by a strategy session of the Steering Committee and work on sponsors for bills that will flow from the report recommendations.

During the Autism Task Force meeting a Power Point Presentation was given by Maria Nardella of the Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Program on Autism and Other Developmental Disorders: Legislation - Current and Future Possibilities. This presentation was developed by Dr. George Jesien of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities and given at the Maternal & Child Health Federal-State Partnership Meeting October 15, 2007 in Alexandria, Virginia.

The October 29, 2007 Autism Task Force meeting consisted specifically on clarification of second draft report details for the report to the governor and legislature. Multiple issues and public comments were addressed and finalized in language for the report. The task forces' intention is to develop a well written and organized document for use in creating public policy in the elements of screening, education, family-centered care, and development of demonstration sites (regional hubs) across the state. These recommendations are each a significant change in systems determined to be critical to holistic care.

The ATF met September 24, 2007 to review and discuss most recent draft reports from the following subcommittees:  Regional Networks, Identification and Tracking, Family Support, and Education.

The ATF met September 10, 2007 for discussion centered around first draft reports from the subcommittee work on the recommendations.

The ATF August 20, 2007 meeting featured the Autism Task Force Subcommittee work. The work focused on development of an implementation plan for the highest priorities of six recommendations deemed most critical in first steps in the areas of infrastructure, treatment, training, and funding. The work is accomplished through the budgetary proviso of Senate House Bill 1128 passed in 2007.

The ATF July 30, 2007 meeting included a discussion of implementation plans, subcommittee work, and review of the State Interagency Coordinating Council’s (SICC)  thoughtful response to the Autism Task Force’s 2006 recommendation report.  The letter from SICC was welcomed as a clear intent of collaborative efforts with the Task Force and autism work.

The ATF met July 10, 2007 for an organizational planning meeting.

ATF Past Meeting Activities 2005-2006

Autism-Related Literature

The Caring for Individuals with Autism Task Force thanks you for your continued interest.  You may contact us at Autism.Support@doh.wa.gov.

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