Mission
Individuals with autism in Marin County regardless of age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and language will achieve their full potential for personal development and adult independence through community education, information and referral, and a cost-effective and comprehensive system of care that provides for early screening, intensive intervention, and continuity of treatment.

Enzo Ventura, an Easter Seals Northern California Client

Long-Term Goals

Through our collaborative efforts, the Early Years Subcommittee will work toward the following goals:

1. Educate the local community about autism, and help provide information, referral and context for empirically evaluating controversial claims regarding causes and treatment
2. Educate parents about developmental warning “flags”, and help them be effective advocates with their physicians and other service providers
3. Educate physicians and other medical professionals about autism, to ensure prompt, effective screening, diagnosis and referral for treatment
4. Ensure early, intensive intervention for children with autism before age three
5. Ensure that we have a “system of care” in place for all people with autism, regardless of income level, ethnicity, language, and literacy
6. Develop culturally sensitive strategies for outreach and education in diverse multi-ethnic and low income communities (for example, “mentores” – paraprofessional members of the community, who talk to parents; written information in English and Spanish; videotaped information in English and Spanish; pictorial information; website information in English and Spanish.)
7. Ensure continuity of care across the spectrum of age, ASD diagnoses/eligibility criteria, and systems of funding and care

Susanne Kreuzer of Easter Seals Northern California chairs the sub-committee.