09-06-2006, 02:13 PM
Town Hall was the location for what many called an historic occasion last Friday when Gov. M. Jodi Rell ceremonially signed Senate Bill 703, which creates a two-year pilot program for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Once the age of 18 is reached adults with this disorder who do not have mental retardation lose services.
"This was a high priority in the Public Health Committee. Children have services but at 18 you go from having full services to nothing," state Sen. Gayle Slossberg said. She is a co-chairwoman of the committee.
"We are one of three states that don't have anything in place for adults," Slossberg added.
The pilot program, which begins Oct. 1, will accept up to 50 adults and must establish eligibility requirements for participants, identify appropriate services, and coordinate those services. After two years, a report must be filed with the legislature's Public Health Committee making recommendations on how the state can better address the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorders.
"Connecticut is one of a few states that has a significant 'cliff' of services for autistic children," Slossberg said. "We need to get rid of that cliff, because people with autism spectrum disorders can live long and satisfying lives. This new pilot program should help ensure that will happen for more and more Connecticut residents."
"The bill we sign today establishes a pilot program with the goal of helping those adults with ASD lead lives that are independent and functional," Rell said. "This new initiative is an opportunity to streamline the services we provide to individuals faced with this disease, and their families, and it is an opportunity to be more effective in providing the services they need." Rell said the pilot program will accept residents of New Haven County.
"Autism spectrum disorder does not go away and it doesn't get any easier. I am glad to see the state has stood up and addressed this," House Majority Speaker Jim Amann said.
Autism Advocate Lois Rosenwald said it was a "monumental day in Connecticut when the bill was signed.
DMR Commissioner Peter O'Meara who will oversee the pilot program said he was already working on the program.
"This is a giant step for Connecticut. I already took the first steps and have already gotten on board a coordinator Kathy Redington and some staff," O'Meara said.
Rell said that of the 3.1 million Connecticut residents there are 5,000 to 7,000 adults with autism spectrum disorder.
"This program will give them so much information to help them gain skills. Is it going to be expensive? We don't know yet," Rell said.
First Selectman Jim Zeoli, who hosted the bill signing, said he was honored it took place in Orange and congratulated the state legislature for its proactive steps in addressing the disparity.
ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors that can range from very mild to severe. All children with ASD demonstrate deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or interests. In addition, they will often have unusual responses to sensory experiences, such as certain sounds or the way objects look. Children with ASD do not follow the typical patterns of child development. In some children, hints of future problems may be apparent from birth. In most cases, the problems in communication and social skills become more noticeable as the child lags further behind other children the same age.
From zwire.com
Once the age of 18 is reached adults with this disorder who do not have mental retardation lose services.
"This was a high priority in the Public Health Committee. Children have services but at 18 you go from having full services to nothing," state Sen. Gayle Slossberg said. She is a co-chairwoman of the committee.
"We are one of three states that don't have anything in place for adults," Slossberg added.
The pilot program, which begins Oct. 1, will accept up to 50 adults and must establish eligibility requirements for participants, identify appropriate services, and coordinate those services. After two years, a report must be filed with the legislature's Public Health Committee making recommendations on how the state can better address the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorders.
"Connecticut is one of a few states that has a significant 'cliff' of services for autistic children," Slossberg said. "We need to get rid of that cliff, because people with autism spectrum disorders can live long and satisfying lives. This new pilot program should help ensure that will happen for more and more Connecticut residents."
"The bill we sign today establishes a pilot program with the goal of helping those adults with ASD lead lives that are independent and functional," Rell said. "This new initiative is an opportunity to streamline the services we provide to individuals faced with this disease, and their families, and it is an opportunity to be more effective in providing the services they need." Rell said the pilot program will accept residents of New Haven County.
"Autism spectrum disorder does not go away and it doesn't get any easier. I am glad to see the state has stood up and addressed this," House Majority Speaker Jim Amann said.
Autism Advocate Lois Rosenwald said it was a "monumental day in Connecticut when the bill was signed.
DMR Commissioner Peter O'Meara who will oversee the pilot program said he was already working on the program.
"This is a giant step for Connecticut. I already took the first steps and have already gotten on board a coordinator Kathy Redington and some staff," O'Meara said.
Rell said that of the 3.1 million Connecticut residents there are 5,000 to 7,000 adults with autism spectrum disorder.
"This program will give them so much information to help them gain skills. Is it going to be expensive? We don't know yet," Rell said.
First Selectman Jim Zeoli, who hosted the bill signing, said he was honored it took place in Orange and congratulated the state legislature for its proactive steps in addressing the disparity.
ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors that can range from very mild to severe. All children with ASD demonstrate deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or interests. In addition, they will often have unusual responses to sensory experiences, such as certain sounds or the way objects look. Children with ASD do not follow the typical patterns of child development. In some children, hints of future problems may be apparent from birth. In most cases, the problems in communication and social skills become more noticeable as the child lags further behind other children the same age.
From zwire.com