In February, 2009 ODDD Director John Martin announced the formation of the Autism Interagency Workgroup (AIWG) at a phone conference with stakeholders. The purpose of the workgroup is to bring together members of the various Ohio state agencies - Health, Mental Health, Jobs and Family Services, Education, Rehab Services and ODODD - to work collaboratively to address the needs of persons with autism and their families in Ohio, using the Ohio Autism Taskforce recommendations as a guide and building on the work already done to make the recommendations a reality. Part of a proposal to the Governor by ODODD, the formation of this group was also a recommendation of the Autism Society of Ohio to the Governor.

Under the leadership of ODDD’s Assistant Deputy Director of Systems Innovation and Technical Assistance (SITA), Kevin Aldridge, the Work group is led and facilitated by Jody Fisher, Project Manager with SITA. The work of the AIWG is based on core values…………

• Some help and hope for all
• Services where they ought to be
• Good stewardship of limited resources
• Quality outcomes through a combination of people and process
• Partnerships with stakeholders for positive results

….and a commitment to benefiting all Ohioans with disabilities

The AIWG identified 6 Priorities :
• Statewide system of early identification of autism
• Evidence-based, high quality, cost effective intervention
• Qualified professionals to serve
• Support for caregivers and service providers
• Effective service and support delivery through regional approaches
• Successful transitions across lifespan