A Report on the Service Needs of Persons with Autism. In Response to Public Act 84-1291.

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100

Illinois State General Assembly, Springfield.

Autism; Day Programs; Delivery Systems; Educational Therapy; Family Involvement; Group Homes; Intervention; Needs Assessment; Psychoeducational Methods; Residential Programs; Social Integration; State Programs; State Standards; Teaching Methods

As mandated by Illinois Public Act 84-1291, this report identifies the service needs of persons with autism, recommends service models, and offers a plan of action to ensure delivery of appropriate services within resources available. Three primary themes are emphasized: a need for intervention at the earliest point in time for persons with autism, a need for strong family involvement in training and implementing service plans, and a commitment to community integration and small residential settings in the community. The report begins by defining terminology and describing autism--its prevalence, characteristics, causal factors, and problems in diagnosis. "Treatment/Habilitation Models," describes medical approaches and psychological/educational methods for fostering normal development. Also described are specific training strategies for promotion of cognitive development, language development, socialization, and behavior changes and for reducing family stress. "Current Services for Persons with Autism" discusses residential programs, day programs, and case coordination services available in Illinois, offers a client profile, describes exemplary programs, and reviews characteristics common to exemplary programs. "Service Needs for Autism" identifies the need for family programs, diagnostic assessment, educational/vocational/employment programs, residential programs, public education, and professional/paraprofessional training. The report concludes with a list of recommendations. A separately published 13-page "Executive Summary" is appended. (JDD)

1989

ED306723