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Governor's Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Committee Descriptions

Task Force members will be assigned to one of four (4) committees, described below. Each committee will focus on addressing specific topics charged to the Task Force by Governor Charlie Crist, as detailed in Executive Order 08-36. Committee assignments will remain in effect until June 30, 2009. Committees will ensure that topics outlined in the Executive Order are addressed in the development of a written final report to the Governor outlining Task Force accomplishments during the previous 12 months, due by March 20, 2009. Other reports may be requested of the Task Force at the pleasure of the Governor. When addressing the topics outlined in the Executive Order, each committee will consider the following overarching issues, which will be incorporated into the written report:

• recommendations regarding changes to Florida statutes, administrative rules, policies, and/or procedures relating to the purposes and duties of the Task Force;
• accomplishments in obtaining legislative or administrative change; and
• progress related to collaborative efforts with other agencies and organizations.

Two co-chairs will be elected by each committee. The co-chairs will be responsible for ensuring that the committee is fulfilling its duties. Committee Co-Chair election will occur during the first Task Force meeting, on Day 2 (April 3rd).

Committees will meet during full, in-person, Task Force meetings at scheduled, publicly noticed times. Committees will also meet via telephone conference calls throughout the year at scheduled, publicly noticed times. Committee members and meetings are subject to Sunshine Laws.

Committees may request speakers and informational materials to assist in their review of topics. Requests should be made through the Committee Co-Chairs to the Executive Director. Any invited speakers will present to the entire Task Force.

Committee Names and Details

"Putting the Pieces Together"

This committee will focus on building collaborations across private and public entities, increasing community awareness, outreach, and planning for the statewide autism Website.

Topics assigned to this committee will include, but may not be limited to, the following items from Executive Order 08-36:

• Reviewing the coordination and efforts of state agencies and organizations relating to the provision of treatment to individuals with autism and resources available to their families and other caregivers.
• Developing a plan to implement a comprehensive Florida autism Web site to help families, educators, and health care providers sort through information and quickly identify resources.
• Partnering with agencies and organizations serving the autism community to facilitate collaborative efforts consistent with the purposes of the Task Force.
• Developing strategy to increase community awareness of autism, with special attention to communities with evidenced economic need or health disparities.

"Window of Opportunity"

This committee will focus on early screening and diagnosis, early intervention, early childcare and education, K-12 education, and gauging the prevalence of autism in Florida.

Topics assigned to this committee will include, but may not be limited to, the following items from Executive Order 08-36:

• Developing a strategy for early diagnosis and intervention by working with medical experts and organizations to determine how best to encourage screenings for autism as part of routine pediatric visits.
• Identifying and recommending methods to remove barriers to the education and awareness of parents, teachers, medical professionals and other caregivers of young children to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.
• Developing strategy to gauge the prevalence of autism in Florida.

"Current and Future Outlook"

This committee will focus on current and future treatments, research, quality of life issues for families and individuals, safety concerns and law enforcement training, access to assistive technology, and current events.

Topics assigned to this committee will include, but may not be limited to, the following items from Executive Order 08-36:

• Identifying and recommending methods to encourage public-private partnerships and resource sharing in support of autism and developmental disabilities research and services.
• Developing recommendations to ensure the safety of persons with autism.
• Exploring methods of identifying and addressing quality of life concerns of individuals with autism and their families.

"Costs of Autism"

This committee will focus on short-term and long-term economic impact to families and state, societal impact to families and state, financial resources, employment, long-term care and planning, and life and health coverage.

Topics assigned to this committee will include, but may not be limited to, the following items from Executive Order 08-36:

• Assessing short-term and long-term financial and societal impact of autism to families and the state and making recommendations for cost-saving measures.
• Developing long-term recommendations as to the education, integration, care, employment, and coverage of persons with autism.
• Exploring options for health coverage of individualized autism treatment, including, but not limited to, speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health, and alternative therapies.

Please contact the Florida Department of Health, Lona Gibson-Taylor at (850) 245-4242 with questions you may have relating to the Governor's Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders.