The EITF proposed solutions to these four priority “gap” areas that are comprehensive, multi-faceted,

BLANK PAGE INSERTED TO KEEP THE “FOOTER” PAGE COUNT CORRECT – PLEASE DELETE THIS BLANK PAGE WHEN IT’S CONVERTED TO THE FINAL PDF DOCUMENT. Task Force on Early Identification & Intervention Task Force Chair: Dr. Firestone Vice-Chair: Ms. Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis Staff: Dr. Lou Vismara Report to the Commission: Findings & Recommendations March 1, 2007 Summary of the Task Force Meetings: The Early Identification & Intervention Task Force (EITF) held three public meetings. A total of 45 individuals (list attached) attended these day-long sessions (10AM-3PM.) Additional members of the public participated by teleconference access. Eleven of the task force participants (24%) were parents of individuals with ASD. The following areas of expertise were identified: intervention for ASD (15 individuals); early education (9); state agency (7); non-profit/foundation (7); legislative staff (7); healthcare(6); research (6); regional center/DDS (6); local programs (5). Attendance was excellent with 29 of the participants (64%) attending at least two of the sessions; fourteen members were present at all of the meetings. The initial meeting (Nov. 14, 2006) was attended by 31 participants. Dr. Barbara Firestone provided welcoming remarks, introductions, a review of the Autism Commission, as well as leading a discussion on the goals, objectives, and timelines of the EITF. The EITF ...