Due to the growing
concern over the number of individuals being diagnosed with autism, the Caring for Washington
Individuals with Autism Task Force was created in 2005 by
Senate Bill 5311
(PDF, 12.5KB). Appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire,
this group of autism experts
assembled to share knowledge, do research, 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
was the lead agency in providing staff for the work of the Task Force.
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Sofia Aragon, JD, RN
Department of Health
Lauri Berreman, MEd
Local School District Representative
Lou Colwell, EdD
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Geraldine Dawson, PhD
University of Washington Autism Center
Monica Meyer
(parent)
Education Services District
Felice Orlich, PhD
(parent)
University of Washington Autism Center
Senator Marilyn Rasmussen
(grandparent)
Senator Pam Roach
(grandparent)
Linda Rolfe, MSW
Department of Social and Health Services - Division of
Developmental Disabilities
Ilene Schwartz, PhD
University of Washington
Dawn Sidell, RN, BSN
(parent)
Northwest Autism Center
Diana Stadden
(parent)
Autism Society of Washington &
Arc of WA
Carolyn Taylor, MS
(parent)
Autism Outreach Project
Representative Maureen Walsh
Representative Brendan Williams
(uncle) |
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The first
Report and Recommendations
(PDF, 616KB)
on how to best prevent, identify, treat, and accommodate the needs of
individuals with autism and their families was completed in December of
2006 and submitted
to the Governor and the 2007 Washington State Legislature.
With work clearly still
needing to be done, the final budget from the 2007 Washington State
Legislature included funding to continue the Autism Task Force
through June 30, 2008 so that they could:
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Prioritize recommendations from the 2006 report.
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Develop implementation plans and cost estimates
for the highest priorities.
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Monitor federal legislation and funding opportunities.
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Create the Washington State Autism
Guidebook.
Final Report and Recommendations
Following three years of
expert testimony, stakeholder input, current scientific research,
evidence based standards and many hours of deliberation, the Task
Force's Final Report
and Recommendations (PDF, 1MB) were completed in December of 2007 and presented
to the 2008 Washington State Legislature.
The Task Force held their final
meeting on June 23, 2008.
Their ground work sets the stage for recommended changes in
state agencies
and systems, striving to ensure that throughout their lifespan,
individuals with autism spectrum disorder can:
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Stay in their communities.
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Receive widespread health care services.
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Obtain on-going suitable treatments.
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Receive timely, individualized, evidence-based multi-disciplinary
interventions.
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Receive culturally effective, family-centered supports.
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Receive legally required services.
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