In November, the Department’s Autism Services Branch presented at the annual California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) meeting in Riverside, CA. They spoke about the growing caseload of individuals with autism in California, initiatives and programs at the Department, and shared information and resources with educators, universities, and regional center partners. CAPTAIN is a statewide collaborative training and technical assistance network focused on promoting evidence-based practices and effective services and supports for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The team also joined this year’s San Francisco Autism Society (SFASA) “Open Doors” Autism/DD Conference at the Li Ka Shing Center at Stanford University on December 7, 2024. Autism Program Specialist Lauren Libero joined Deputy Director of the Community Services Division Ernie Cruz, Self-Determination Program Branch Manager Katie Dempsey, and Ombudsperson Katie Hornberger to present in a keynote panel. They shared an overview of the developmental services system and new initiatives and programs. More than 400 families, individuals, and professionals attended. Kel Avila, Associate Governmental Program Analyst, hosted a resource table at the event with information, resources, and contacts for families. You can access those same resources by checking out the new Autism Resource Hub.
