Date: 04/08/2010
Final
Briefing from the Autism Commission
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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01:32 PM -- Briefing from the Autism Commission
Betty Lehman, Executive Director, Colorado Autism Society and Chair of the Autism Commission, introduced herself to the committee. She stated that Senate Bill 08-163 established the Autism Commission to review and establish a long-term plan for providing services and funding to individuals with autism. The executive summary from the Colorado Autism Commission and the appendix were provided to the committee (Attachments A and B). Ms. Lehman introduced several members of the commission to the committee.
01:38 PM
The Report of the Colorado Autism Commission for Senate Bill 08-163 was distributed to the committee (Attachment C). Ms. Lehman described the structure of the report to the committee. She stated that the commission was charged with establishing a definition of autism, identifying existing services available to individuals with autism, and identifying gaps in services for people with autism. She stated the commission reviewed services provided in other states and identified best practices from those states. She stated that the commission took several hours of testimony and contributed over 6,000 hours of work.
01:44 PM
She spoke to the waiting list for services for people with autism. She commented on the number of people with autism who are unemployed. She stated that the commission reviewed issues affecting the efficient delivery and coordination of services for people with autism spectrum disorder. Ms. Lehman discussed the complexity of accessing various systems in order to receive treatment. Ms. Lehman commented on the vulnerability of individuals with autism. She relayed a personal story about her son and his activities in the community. She stated that while he is active in the community, he is not safe and could easily be taken advantage of.
01:50 PM
Ms. Lehman highlighted the recommendations from the commission. She stated that the commission believes all Coloradans affected by the disorder deserve to have access to the services and supports they need to be safe, educated, healthy, and productive individuals. She stated that the commission developed a ten-year strategic plan to promote, integrate, coordinate, and expand services to all Coloradans affected by autism spectrum disorders. She thanked the committee for their time and continued effort to address the issue.