ONLINE AUTISM ASPERGER'S RESOURCE CENTER LAUNCHED

Program run by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services announces the establishment of a new Autism Asperger's Online Resource Center, dedicated to improving the quality of services to people on the autism spectrum and the people who care for them in the First State.

The Autism Asperger's Online Resource Center, or AAORC, will be managed within DHSS' Division of Developmental Disabilities Services and overseen by Dr. Warren Ellis, Director of DDDS Community Services and Adult Special Populations.

The establishment of the Autism Asperger's Online Resource Center is the result of a Legislative Task Force Recommendation regarding Services for Adults with Autism in Delaware. The Task Force, consisting of parents, state agency personnel, advocates and professionals, met for more than 18 months to study the services and needs of adults with autism spectrum disorders.

The AARC website, dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds/aar.html, is designed to assist stakeholders in locating information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger's Syndrome, and is the first step in the development of a state level resource.

The website provides links to Delaware, regional, and national resources with a focus on advocacy, information and provider services that may be available to families in Delaware.

DHSS Secretary, Rita Landgraf, endorsed the Autism Asperger's Online Resource Center with the vision that the "AAORC would be staffed by experts in Autism and Asperger's disorders, providing a variety of resources across the entire DDDS system and provider organizations, supporting the concept that existing services for autism can meet varying recipient needs. Sharing resources across the state is feasible and there are many resources already available that need to be brought together in a way that enables maximum benefit."

Resources were identified by AAORC committee members, including parent-advocates and representatives from the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, Autism Delaware, the Delaware Autism Program, Keystone, and Easter Seals.

For more information about the Autism Asperger's Online Resource Center and committee, contact Warren Ellis, DDDS Community Services and Adult Special Populations, at warren.ellis@delaware.gov.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.