Sources: National Conference of State Legislatures, LexisNexis and Easter Seals, 2009.

Autism Task Forces, Commissions and Councils

As the rates of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to rise, states are taking a variety of actions to address the needs of people with autism. Some states have created task forces, commissions and councils to study autism issues. Several initiatives have been created to make recommendations for coordinating autism services across many government or private agencies and organizations that may provide health, education or other services. Other initiatives aim to gain a better understanding of the services available in the state or to develop a strategic plan to better serve individuals with autism in the state.

• Delaware's task force was established to review service needs for adults with autism. The task force developed recommendations for comprehensive, coordinated autism services.

• Florida's task force is charged with coordinating and reviewing the efforts of state agencies and organizations; encouraging public-private partnerships and resource sharing in support of autism and developmental disabilities research and services; developing a comprehensive autism website; and developing a strategy for early diagnosis and intervention.

  • Governor's Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorder 2009 Report

• The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism prepared a report with recommendations for closing the gaps in services for Californians with autism at all levels of government and across public and private sector entities.

  • An Opportunity to Achieve Real Change with Californians with Autism Spectrum Disorders,  The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, September 2007

  • A Call for Action: Improved Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Superintendent's Autism Advisory Committee, August 2007

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: Best Practices in Inter-Organizational Collaboration, California Department of Developmental Services, 2008

  • Steinberg Announces Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders, Highlights Senate Bill Package, California Senate Majority Caucus Press Release, April 28, 2009

• The Nevada Autism Task Force submitted a report with recommendations for immediate action and recommendations related to best practices; education; financing systems of care; screening and diagnosis; training, certification and applied behavior analysis; workforce; and adult services.

• The New Hampshire commission made recommendations for the care, treatment and quality of life for people with ASD and their families. The recommendations focus on increasing the state's capacity to serve individuals with ASD and their families through investment in infrastructure and social capital, and on intervention and supports during pivotal developmental periods.

• Kentucky's commission, established by 2005 House Bill 296, was created to develop a 10-year state plan for an integrated system of training, treatments and services for people of all ages with ASD. (For more information see Creating a More Secure Future for Kentuckians with Autism Spectrum Disorders: 2006 Report; 2008 Annual Update; 2009 Annual Update; 2010 Annual Update)

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

This webpage was adapted from an NCSL postcard published in August 2009.

Additional State Examples

Updated May 2011

Note: This list of state autism task forces, councils and commissions may not be comprehensive. NCSL appreciates additions and corrections please e-mail at Health-info@ncsl.org.