Autism Task Force to meet May 18 to discuss Medicaid state plan amendment and its possible benefit to individuals with autism spectrum disorder

North Dakota’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Task Force will meet Monday, May 18, 1 to 4:45 p.m. Central Time by video conference to discuss how the Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment, once approved by the federal government, could benefit individuals who qualify for autism spectrum disorder services and their families.

The agenda also includes discussion on the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to special education guidelines. A representative from the North Dakota Association for the Disabled with share information about its Autism Spectrum Assistance Program.

Members will hear updates on the Medicaid ASD waiver and participant survey, changes to behavior analyst licensing and workforce and discuss potential changes to the ASD state plan.

Other topics will also be discussed. The meeting agenda is available online at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/publicnotice/index.html.

The task force meeting is open to the public. Individuals can join the meeting by computer or other electronic device using Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/2WOdFh3 or by phone at 701-328-0950, Conference ID 357 030 266#.

People who need accommodations to participate should contact Krista Fremming prior to the meeting at 701-328-2342, toll-free 800-755-2719, 711 (TTY) or krfremmingnd [dot] gov

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The legislature created the task force in 2009; members are appointed by the governor. The task force is responsible for reviewing early intervention and family support services that enable individuals with ASD to live at home or in community settings, and programs helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder to transition from school-based settings to adult services and workforce development programs. In addition, the task force monitors the provision of services, and reviews, amends and updates the state plan to better meet the needs of individuals with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder services information is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/autism/index.html, and task force information is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/autism/taskforce.html.