Autism task force gets leaders
Sacramento Business Journal by Kathy Robertson, Senior Staff Writer
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012, 2:45pm PDT
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Kathy Robertson
Senior Staff Writer- Sacramento Business Journal
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Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, director of the UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities, has been appointed by Sen. Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg to co-chair a task force to investigate equitable distribution of autism services to diverse communities in California.
The other co-chair is Areva Martin, an autism advocate and cofounder of the nonprofit Special Needs Network in Los Angeles.
Steinberg established the committee following an April hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders.
“The testimony reveals disturbing details of inadequate services in underserved communities,” Steinberg said in a news release. “Autism doesn’t recognize demographic boundaries, so neither should the help that’s available.”
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behavior and impaired social relations and language. In California, individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities are eligible for state-sponsored services through 21 regional centers. Part of the service is an individualized program plan.
The task force will study care across the state and make recommendations to ensure fair and equal access to autism-related services.
Part of Aguilar-Gaxiola’s role will be to ensure diversity and equity are addressed as part of the individualize program planning process at the regional centers.
Kathy Robertson covers health care, law, lobbying and labor and workplace issues for the Sacramento Business Journal.