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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

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Reports related to autism available

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Report to the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services, Feb. 13, 2013, (PDF) is a study of treatments for autism conducted by the Health Services Advisory Council. The 2012 Minnesota Legislature asked the Health Services Advisory Council to recommend coverage for evidence-based treatments for people with autism spectrum disorders. (Omnibus Health and Human Services Bill, Chapter 247, Section 26).

The Health Services Advisory Council is a panel of medical experts that advises DHS about health care benefits for enrollees in publicly funded programs. Community stakeholder input was included.

The Study on Housing with Supports for Children with Severe Autism, Jan. 20. 2013, (PDF) was completed by the University of Minnesota under a contract with DHS and takes a comprehensive look at housing and service options currently available as well as best practices.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force Strategic Plan Report, December 2012 (PDF) includes a brief introduction, a three- to five-year vision for the state as it would be improved by the work coordinated through the ASD strategic plan, and broad strategies for achieving that vision. The 2011 Minnesota Legislature created the Minnesota Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force to “develop an autism spectrum disorder statewide strategic plan that focuses on improving awareness, early diagnosis, and intervention” by Jan. 15, 2013. This expanded task force added representation from four state agencies: education, employment and economic development, health, and human services.

The Report of the Minnesota Senate Autism Task Force, Jan. 15, 2011 (PDF) includes recommendations on ways to improve, fund and coordinate services. The Minnesota Senate Autism Task Force ended on June 30, 2011.

DHS hires new autism spectrum disorder coordinator

Anne Harrington has joined the Department of Human Services as the department’s Autism Coordinator. She will work across the Continuing Care, Mental Health and Health Care administrations to coordinate activities related to autism. Harrington has many years of experience working with individuals with autism in a variety of roles. Most recently, she was the founder and director of Celebrate the Spectrum, an organization that provides consultation to families on supporting their children with autism. She also worked for the Minneapolis Public Schools as the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Autism Program coordinator and as an autism resource specialist. She is familiar with a variety of therapy approaches used to support individuals with autism.

Sign up for the autism spectrum disorder electronic mailing list

The autism spectrum disorder mailing list is the main way to share information about recent developments and updates to the ASD Web content.

Autism spectrum disorders
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