Washington's Focus on
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a
complex, lifelong neurodevelopmental
disability typically appearing during
the first three years of life. Early
screening, diagnosis, and intervention
are essential in order to provide
optimal outcomes for children with
autism and related developmental
disabilities.
It is estimated that approximately 8,000
to 12,000 children and youth in
Washington State have some form of
autism.
In 2005,
the Washington State
Legislature created the
Caring for
Individuals with Autism Task Force
to address the growing number of
children diagnosed with autism in our
state.
During this
same timeframe, Congress passed the
National Combating Autism Act of 2006,
authorizing $920 million in federal
funding over 5 years to fight autism
through research, surveillance,
awareness and early identification.
The
Department of Health applied for and was
awarded one of only six competitive
state grants to help in these efforts.
Autism
Awareness: Partnership for Change
is a three-year, $900,000 grant that
is focusing on bringing awareness to the
importance of early identification and
treatment; educating service providers
and other professionals on diagnosis and
treatment; and improving service systems
in Washington State for individuals with
autism spectrum disorders and other
developmental delays.
To guide the efforts of the Autism
Awareness Grant, the
Combating Autism
Advisory Council was formed.
This
begins the process of carrying out the state’s strategic
plan to explore and improve needed changes and connect
autism-related information, services and research to the public.
Do you know the signs of
autism?
Learn more at...
