Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 49 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (827 download)
Book Synopsis Growing the Fields of Opportunity for Children and Adults with Autism in Iowa by :
Download or read book Growing the Fields of Opportunity for Children and Adults with Autism in Iowa written by and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 49 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Iowa needs a statewide coordinated autism early identification system. Such a system would be child and family centered with care coordinated at the individual level. A statewide system will require training a wide variety of professionals who regularly interact with children at very young ages. This will not only ensure early identification but will help Iowa families access services early which increases the likelihood of positive outcomes for Iowa children. Finally, Iowa must commit resources for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a coordinated autism early identification system. There needs to be an interagency agreement created amongst state agencies including IDPH, DHS, Dept of Ed (Early ACCESS), CHSC, DVR, and University of IA Center for Excellence for ASD to plan, implement, and evaluate a coordinated system of care. Currently Iowa lacks a standardized early identification system for autism and lacks a standardized approach to training professionals to implement an early identification system specific to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorder screening is not a basic part of well child care in Iowa. Training efforts do not meet the definition of a comprehensive system. Data reveal that children and families in Iowa benefit when and early diagnosis is made. Data also reveal that the most benefit is gained when the early identification system consistently leads the family to coordinated care after diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is great disparity in knowledge and skill levels across the state. This needs to be remedied. Resources at community and state levels have not been committed to develop, implement, and evaluate an early identification system. When an early identification system is developed and implemented throughout Iowa, a network of trained professionals who mentor and communicate will develop. This network will also provide a vehicle for data collection and evaluation of an early identification system, including the efficacy of training and the individual coordination of care post diagnosis. The issues outlined above are not unique to early identification services. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) require a coordinated system of care that includes both public and private sector solutions. The necessities of people with ASD require a long-lasting solution to address needs as the individual's needs change; this currently cannot be obtained due to the lack of coordination in the public and private sectors. The current system in Iowa places the burden on families to seek out information on autism, learn what services are available, apply for those services, and once receiving them, coordinate services from different sources. At the same time, it provides few resources to assist families in doing so. Although there may be pockets of quality services, as a whole, the state is ill prepared to meet current and future demands. State programs are currently underfunded, scattered, and exclusionary by not allowing access to proven treatments. Furthermore, private services are often unobtainable due to cost and distance. Exacerbating the current lack of coordination is a rural landscape, a deficit of trained professionals, and an exploding autism population. Iowa needs to act quickly to enhance current systems. Iowa needs to create new programs that will allow data collection, resource pooling, collaboration, and a coordinated care system that includes private and public partnerships. One of the greatest barriers to a comprehensive treatment plan is how to ensure a balanced approach to financing treatments for caregivers. It is our responsibility to ensure that a proper balance and financing options are set between public, private, and personal responsibility. Currently a majority of Iowans finance what care they can afford and not necessarily the best care available. This does not always lead to the best outcome for independence for those with ASD. In addition to lack of financing options, a lack of adequate reimbursement to providers currently providing services hampers delivery of service by creating unnecessary waiting lists. The 2008 legislative session saw the introduction of SF1/HF1 to bridge the gap between quality care and the ability to access care due to lack of coverage in the private sector. This council urges the Executive Branch to work with the Legislative Branch to pass this legislation for Iowa's families in the 2010 session. Last year the Legislative Branch required the Iowa Autism Council to investigate the creation of an Autism Specific Waiver Program. The Iowa Autism Council does not recommend the creation of a separate Autism Waiver at this time. Rather, we make specific recommendations to improve the existing Intellectual Disability (ID) and Ill & Handicapped waivers. Lastly this council recommends the Executive Branch, in partnership with this council look at utilizing alternative financing options to get programs started. Financing options such as utilization of Race to the Top Funds to implement a data collection system, if the State of Iowa is awarded such funds, or using Investing in Innovation Funds are funds that the Iowa Department of Education will be issuing through an RFP for school districts, LEAs and non-profits.
