GOVERNOR CRIST ANNOUNCES FIRST MEETING OF AUTISM TASK FORCE
April 2, 2008
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GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today launched the inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders with a press conference at the Capitol to observe World Autism Awareness Day. Established by executive order in March, the task force was created to recommend a unified and coordinated agenda for addressing autism in Florida and to advance public policy for the research, screening, education and the treatment of autism.
“Our children deserve the best possible means for success, and I understand the toll autism can take on a family,” Governor Crist said. “The task force will explore how we can help families navigate the system to locate and coordinate care and develop a strategy to increase early diagnosis.”
Autism spectrum disorders affect approximately one in 150 individuals, at an estimated cost of $3.2 million per person over the course of a lifetime. Many of Florida’s families face significant out-of-pocket expenses. Early intervention may help to defray costs and improve quality of life.
Autism spectrum disorders include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. These disorders begin in early childhood and are lifelong neurological disabilities that affect a person’s ability to communicate, understand language and socially interact with others.
Earlier this week, Governor Crist reinforced his commitment to assisting individuals with autism and their family members when he spoke at the Autism Speaks concert event Palm Beach. The event was hosted by journalist and author Tom Brokaw and co-chaired by Donald Trump, along with wife Melania, and Suzanne and Bob Wright, the co-founders of Autism Speaks.
The Autism Task Force is made up of 22 leaders in autism advocacy and treatment, health care practitioners, and family members of persons with autism. The Governor’s Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders is chaired by Jane Johnson, executive director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and Dan Marino, former Miami Dolphins quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer.
“I am honored to have been appointed as co-chair to the Governor’s Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders,” Dan Marino said. “It is imperative as leaders in autism advocacy and treatment that all members of the task force work together for the common good of our constituency. We understand the state’s limited funding but vow to seek the most effective ways to truly make a difference in the lives of all individuals with autism and their families.”
The task force will address the growing health crisis that autism represents through coordinating public and private efforts, helping families locate available resources, and encouraging strategies for early diagnosis and intervention. The autism task force will develop short-term and long-term recommendations for policy and legislation to the financial impact to Florida’s families and the State. The task force will submit a final report to the Governor by March 20, 2009.
Designated by the United Nations, World Autism Awareness Day will be recognized annually on April 2 to increase awareness about this important issue. April is celebrated across the United States as Autism Awareness Month.
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