History

In 2009, leaders from 10 provider agencies met in Las Vegas for a unique conference. From this modest beginning, The Council of Autism Services was formed.

The goal of this group was to provide a forum for senior executives from like-minded organizations to meet, share ideas and solve problems. In 2010, the invitation to participate was expanded to other agencies that demonstrated a commitment to serving individuals with autism and the use of an evidence-based treatment approach. Responding to participant feedback, CAS pledged to remain small and offer a different kind of opportunity to interact with colleagues through short workshops, discussion groups, round tables, and informal networking.

In 2015, leaders of CAS recognized the need to formalize the association to meet growing needs of providers and the people they serve. A small group of agency leaders met in May 2015 to identify the mission, values and set the strategic direction of the new association. CAS was legally formed as a 501(c) 6 in December 2015 as the Council on Autism Service Providers (CASP) and announced to the participants of the 2016 annual conference.

Purpose

Founders of CASP recognized the need for a strong national voice for autism providers.

While there are successful associations representing parents and self-advocate, the priorities of these groups may not always align with the needs of provider agencies, including the need to establish standards of care and treatment. CASP and its member organizations recognize that a failure to act may be risky. Consumers and payers are demanding results and CASP is working to establish standards and define expected outcomes of quality and evidence-based treatment.