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Iowa Autism Council Releases Recommendations
January 22, 2010
Iowa Autism Council Makes Recommendations for the state in 2010
Recently the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released findings that confirm the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States is 1 percent of the population, or one in 110 children. This number is up from just a few years ago when statistics showed 1 in 150 children had autism. Autism is also 4.5 times more likely to afflict males than females.
The Iowa Autism Council spent the past 12 months hearing testimony and meeting with state officials, service providers and caregivers, analyzing care for those with autism to make sure it is effective, cost efficient and accessible. Upon completion of their study, the Council has recommended to Governor Culver the need for a statewide coordinated autism early identification system, a system of care that includes both public and private sector solutions, and a balanced approach to financing treatments for caregivers.
While the Council put together a very detailed list of recommendations, they outlined five objectives that are immediate needs to be dealt with during this legislative session. Although the report is made to the governor, full cooperation from both the executive and legislative branches is necessary.
The council recommends designating an entity and appropriate funding to create a data tracking system to ensure reliable and valid data collection methods, immediately passing SF1/HF1 to end insurance discrimination for the autism spectrum population in Iowa, improving the existing Intellectual Disability (ID) and Ill & Handicapped Waiver, supplying equitable services for individuals with autism from diagnosis to adulthood, and accessing stimulus dollars to establish this recommended programming.
"While every recommendation listed in the report is needed sooner rather than later, the council felt that these five recommendations are immediate needs to be accomplished during this legislative session," said Josh Cobbs, Chairperson of the Iowa Autism Council.
Iowa lacks a standardized early identification system for autism and lacks a standardized approach to training professionals to implement an early identification system specific to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Data reveals that children and families in Iowa benefit from early diagnosis and the most benefit is gained when the early identification system consistently leads to coordinated care.
When an early identification system is developed and implemented throughout Iowa, a network of trained professionals will develop. This network will also provide a vehicle for data collection and evaluation including efficacy of training and the individual coordination of care post diagnosis. Accurate data collection will allow for the efficient delivery of equitable services.
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) require a coordinated system of care that includes both public and private sector solutions. The current system in Iowa places the burden of families to seek out information on autism, learn what services are available, apply for those services, and upon receiving them, coordinate services from different sources. At the same time, the state provides few resources to families to facilitate the process.
"The Governor's Autism Council has created an aggressive agenda for the year," said Steve Muller, executive director of The Homestead. "And while financial resources are limited, we can't avoid addressing these autism service needs."
About The Homestead
The Homestead is a private, non-profit organization that provides innovative solutions for children and adults with autism, their families and allied professionals. Services are provided in the community, in homes and in a unique agriculture based campus program. Autism is a neurological disorder that severely hinders the way information is gathered and processed causing problems in communication, learning and social skills. It occurs in roughly 1 of every 110 births.
For more information, contact
Steve Muller
Executive Director
1625 Adventureland Dr., Suite B
Altoona, IA 50009
p515.967.4369
f888.228.8476
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