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Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Task Force for Autism Spectrum Disorders is interested in gathering information from families, providers and educators about issues such as education, service provision and/or care to help individuals reach their greatest potential.  We will be seeking this information in a variety of ways including surveys, invited presentations and research from across the country.  We will post what we learn on our website and we plan to pull all of the information together to create a comprehensive summary and action items.

The Task Force is not in a position to offer direct or individual consultation regarding specific individuals, families, or situations.  We are also not able to provide individual treatment or referral services.  If you are looking for services or ideas, some possible contacts are listed below.  This list does not contain all contacts related to ASD in Indiana.

Indiana Department of Education
Contact: specialed@doe.in.gov

Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center
www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/

Indiana Resource Center on Autism
/www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/fmain1.html

Autism Society of Indiana
www.autismindiana.org/

Thank you for your interest in the Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Dear parents, educators, professionals, and community members supporting individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders,

I want to share with you the development of an exciting new Task Force organized through the Department of Education, Division of Exceptional Learners.  This task force, The Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders, is to play an important role in shaping the policies, initiatives and activities of the DEL as they relate to individuals with ASD and their families.

Included on this website is the Task Force’s Charter, which includes the goal of the Task Force our guiding principles, and the strategies we are using to move forward.  The members of the Task Force are also listed.

The Task Force meets each month, except July, and the notes from those meetings are posted.  In general, each meeting involves hearing a detailed presentation from a local leader from a particular community agency/system that impacts the lives of individuals along the Autism Spectrum.  The membership has opportunity to hear about and ask questions particular to how that agency/system has addressed issues pertaining to ASD in the past, currently and plans for future.  Once all presentations relating to a particular principle are heard, a subcommittee including members of the Task Force as well as other invited participants will formulate an action plan to draft a set of guidelines and/or recommendations pertaining to that area.  Ultimately, the Task Force intends to draft a comprehensive document that will serve as an operations manual of sorts pertaining to the core principles of the membership.

We welcome your questions, suggestions or comments to inform the Task Force.  Please send your comments to the Task Force at autismtaskforce@doe.in.gov and we will use this information to inform our membership and planning.

Sincerely,
Bob Marra
Assistant Superintendent
Division of Exceptional Learners
Department of Education