As part of the reorganization effort, the Agency of Human Services created a statewide position with a special focus on autism spectrum disorders. The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), Division of Disability and Aging Services hired an Autism Specialist, Clare McFadden in June 2005. Her primary role is to develop and enhance the system of support in the home and community for people with autism spectrum disorders. She can work with community agencies, support groups and government departments to address system issues, enhance service delivery and develop or provide training. She can also help people brainstorm ideas, find information and locate resources.

Clare McFadden is working closely with Claire Bruno, the autism consultant with the Department of Education, to identify autism needs and resources in the state. Claire’s primary focus is on developing systems of support and professional development in and for schools statewide for students with autism spectrum disorders.

• Services

• Program Contacts

• Publications

• Boards and Committees

• Training, Conferences and Events Calendar
  

• Other Resources

Services Include

Services for individuals with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders provided within DAIL are listed under:

• Children’s Personal Care Services

• Developmental Disability Services

• Flexible Family Funding

• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Regulations
• Resources

Information regarding accessing these services and the governance of these programs is available by clicking on these links.

An overview of these services, as well as additional resources for supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families, is available in Next Steps- A Guide for Families New to Autism Spectrum Disorders.

 

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Program Contacts

For information about Autism:

• Division of Disability and Aging Services Autism Contact: Clare McFadden
  Phone: 802-241-2863
  E-mail: clare.mcfadden@ahs.state.vt.us
  Mail: Division of Disability and Aging Services, Weeks Building, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676.
• Department of Education Autism Contact: Claire Bruno
  Phone: (802) 828-5116
  E-mail: claire.bruno@state.vt.us
  Mail: Education Consultant, Dept. of Education, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-2501.

 

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Publications

• Vermont Interagency White Paper on Autism Spectrum Disorders
  An interagency white paper to answer critical questions about Autism in Vermont.
• Next Steps - A Guide for Families New to Autism Spectrum Disorders (August 2008)
  This booklet outlines helpful information and statewide resources for Vermont families with children with autism spectrum disorders.
• Proximos Pasos - Guia para familias que empiezn a conocer los trastornos del espectro autista
  (Next Steps - A Guide for Families New to Autism Spectrum Disorder - Spanish Version)
  Este folleto reseña información útil y recursos disponibles en todo el estado para las familias de Vermont con hijos que sufren trastornos del espectro autista.
• Best Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorders

    

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Boards and Committees

• Vermont Autism Task Force
  The mission of the Vermont Autism Task Force is to coordinate the efforts of interested parties who serve individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families, and to promote the implementation of best practices throughout the state of Vermont. This task force has not been appointed by any governmental body, but is a group of volunteers committed to improving supports to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Information regarding membership and activities of the task force are available on their website at www.AutismTaskForce.com.
• Vermont Inter-agency Autism Spectrum Disorders Planning Advisory Committee
  The Vermont Inter-agency Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Planning Advisory Committee has been created to advise the Agency of Human Services (AHS) and the Department of Education (DOE) on the continued development and implementation of a plan for coordinated services designed to address the life-long needs of Vermonters with ASD and their families. The committee will provide advice to the AHS and DOE regarding implementation of the plan and provide regular review and revision of the plan. The committee consists of 16 members consisting of at least 50% being individuals with ASK or family members of individuals with ASK, and 50% being professionals involved in service delivery for people with ASD including representatives from education, community providers and professionals with expertise in ASD.

 

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Training, Conferences and Events Calendar

• Autism Spectrum Disorders' trainings can be found on the Division of Disability and Aging Services' Training Page.

 

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Other Resources

• Vermont Autism Task Force on-line toolkit.
  This toolkit includes information regarding assessment, treatment/intervention and resources for autism spectrum disorders. The efficacy of treatment and interventions are rated based upon currently available research. The web address is www.AutismTaskForce.com.
• Facilitated Communication Training Standards (2000)
  A document which clearly describes the elements of best practices in facilitated communication and outlines a training process which promotes those best practices.
• Facilitated Communication Institute
  The Facilitated Communication Institute conducts research, training, and public education designed to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to be heard and to participate fully in society.

 

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