a handbook for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

APPENDIX G:BUREAU OF AUTISM SERVICESThe Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) provides a wealth of information and services for individuals andfamilies who are struggling with Autism. In 2003, in response to a significant increase in the numberof individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), former Pennsylvania Secretary ofPublic Welfare Estelle B. Richman created the Autism Task Force, which included service providers,educators, administrators, researchers, and over 250 family members struggling with Autism.The goal of the task force was to develop a system that would “make Pennsylvania a national model ofexcellence in Autism service delivery” for individuals living with Autism and their families. The creationof the Office of Autism Affairs, which in early 2007 was transformed into the Bureau of Autism Serviceswithin the Office of Developmental Programs, has helped the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) takegreat strides towards this goal.Nina Wall-Cote is the Director of the Bureau of Autism Services for the Pennsylvania DPW. Sheearned a master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and SocialResearch. A licensed social worker who has worked in private practice with families and adolescents,she specialized as a private consultant for children with serious behavioral and emotional healthchallenges. Ms. Wall-Cote has also trained and supervised clinicians in southeastern Pennsylvania whowork with children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and behavioral health challenges.Ms. Wall-Cote was a founding member and President of the Pennsylvania Action Coalition for AutismServices (PACAS), a statewide board of autism advocacy chairs and directors representing variousregions of Pennsylvania. Ms. Wall-Cote also served as a board member of Pennsylvania Protectionand Advocacy (PP&A), where she represented the perspective of the autism advocacy community andchallenges faced by families living with Autism throughout the Commonwealth.According to their website, the Bureau’s goals include:• Ensuring open communication between departments.• Expanding adult services to serve more individuals and families.• Expanding training opportunities and establishing BAS Training certification.• Addressing gaps in housing, transition, employment, training, and family support.• Ensuring sustainability of BAS and its services.• Promoting community collaboration.The Bureau of Autism Services is a great resource for all families who are struggling with thechallenges of Autism. For more information, visit www.autisminpa.org or call 1-866-539-7689.Source: www.dpw.state.pa.us- Page 42 -