Illinois Autism Task Force

[Guest guest]

FYI--perhaps we can get one ot two IPADD members on.

Marie

Autism Task Force

Illinois Autism Clearinghouse

Dear parents and guardians,

The Information Clearinghouse Committee of the Illinois Autism Task Force is

looking for a few good people to be part of a focus group on autism.

Specifically, we want experienced parents of children or adults with autism. The

live, in-person focus group session is being held in collaboration with the

Autism Society of Illinois. The focus group session will take place at

Lisle Public Library,

777 Front Street, Lisle, IL 60532

Saturday, January 29

1:00 pm to 3:00 p.m.

Meeting Rooms A and B.

Participation is voluntary and names will be kept strictly confidential. We

value your privacy, your time and your expertise.

Parents chosen to participate in the focus group will meet these criteria:

1. Have experienced the diagnosis process with their child

2. Have navigated a transition from at least one educational level, such as

from elementary to middle school

3. Have some knowledge of the service delivery system for people with Autism

Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Illinois

4. Be familiar with the process of getting services to meet the needs of

their child at various stages of development

5. Be willing to share what worked and what didn't

The results from the focus group will be shared statewide, anonymously of

course. We will publish a report that synthesizes the major themes explored in

the focus group.We will use results to shape the " Finding Help in Illinois "

section of our website, which is in development. We aim to help Illinois improve

current services to families of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder ((ASD). We

intend to use your wisdom to grow responsive, comprehensive future services in

Illinois for your family and others.

If you are interested in being part of this special panel of parental experts on

ASD services, please complete the short application questionnaire accompanying

this letter, and return it by January 5, 2011 at the latest. The Information

Clearinghouse Committee will review the applications and select up to 30

possible participants, then ask members of the Autism Task Force to help choose

the invitees. We will strive for a diverse, representative group.

If you fit the criteria above, we really need your help! Even if you're not part

of this first focus group, we look forward to hearing from you and working with

you now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Ruth Ann Sikora, Co-Chair, Information Clearinghouse Committee

Hammond, Co-Chair, Information Clearinghouse Committee

Click here for more information and application

The Autism Task Force is a statutory group that meets quarterly and reports

annually to the Governor and General Assembly about the services needs of people

with ASD. The information Clearinghouse is a committee of Task Force. The

Illinois Dept of Health and Human Service convenes this multi-stakeholder group

as directed by P.A. 093-0773, signed in into law in 200