Office of Speaker Dennis M. O’Brien

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

139 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        CONTACT:  Bill Patton

                                                                                                                                   717-787-4610

O’Brien praises state’s increased focus on autism

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 --- House Speaker Dennis O’Brien (R-Phila.) strongly praised Governor Ed Rendell and Estelle B. Richman, secretary of Public Welfare, for creating the Office of Developmental Programs which will include the Bureau of Autism Services.

“This is an exciting development, bringing government and community resources together like never before in order to do the most good for people with autism and their families,” O’Brien said. “It follows a recommendation of the state’s Autism Task Force and is something that I and many advocates have been hoping for.”

Nina Wall-Cote, DPW’s Autism Affairs director, will serve as director of the newly formed bureau.

“I’ve worked with Nina and Secretary Richman to help my kids with disabilities. They share my passion to find ways for us to do better for all kids.”

O’Brien noted that the autism task force created by Richman in 2003 identified several problems, including a lack of trained professionals, educational and community-based services to help people living with autism.

“The Department of Public Welfare is seeking a new approach in which people receive services globally, with access to education, health care, job assistance, and criminal justice programs that are equipped to understand their special circumstances,” O’Brien said.

“This is a challenging population to serve. If Pennsylvania can develop successful inter-agency collaboration in meeting the needs of those with autism, it will be a model for this state and other states to use in other human service programs,” he said.

New data released today by the Centers for Disease Control found that, on average, one in about every 150 children in the U.S. is eventually diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

“For all of these kids, the first hurdle is getting a proper diagnosis as early as possible,” O’Brien said. “The state’s new service model can help break down bureaucratic barriers and bring agencies, service providers, and community organizations together to do a better job of serving kids with all kinds of developmental challenges.”

Gov. Rendell proposed a 65 percent increase in funding for autism intervention and services in next year’s budget. O’Brien described that as a great step forward, although resources continue to lag far behind needs.

###