History

The roots of the Commission stretch back to the spring of 2008 when the Oregon legislature created the Autism Spectrum Disorder Workgroup as an ad hoc committee.  It consisted of legislators, agency personnel, and parent advocates.

The Workgroup began investigating unmet needs and the current status of services for those experiencing ASD and their families.  After months of research, meetings, and a listening tour that reached Oregonians from every corner of the State, the Workgroup presented their findings. Their report, Serving and Supporting People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families, identified significant gaps in existing services and offered a broad vision of the changes that need to take place in order for Oregon to meet the needs of its citizens.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Workgroup highlighted the need for improved services and coordination across state, local, and private agencies.  This led to a 2009 executive order creating the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The Commission’s executive order was reissued in 2011 and 2018.