2012 State Autism Profiles
ALASKA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 222 or 1.25% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Alaska have autism. In 2010-2011, 828 or 4.59% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Alaska for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
27 |
91 |
| Age 6-11 |
138 |
359 |
| Age 12-17 |
53 |
310 |
| Age 18-21 |
4 |
68 |
| Age 6-21 |
195 |
737 |
| Age 3-21 |
222 |
828 |
Source: Reported by the State of Alaska in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Table 1-2: IDEA Part B - Children with Disabilities in Alaska for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
1,637 |
2,104 |
| Age 6-11 |
8,218 |
8,097 |
| Age 12-17 |
7,150 |
6,916 |
| Age 18-21 |
686 |
931 |
| Age 6-21 |
16,054 |
15,944 |
| Age 3-21 |
17,691 |
18,048 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education (GCDSE)
Formed in 1977 (Admin. Order 42), the mission of the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education is to create change that improves the lives of Alaskans with disabilities. In 2007, the council formed an Ad Hoc Committee on Autism to study the needs of Alaskans with autism. The committee developed a five part recommendation: to provide universal screening and well-child checkups; referral for a comprehensive evaluation to expand the diagnostic capacity in the state and to have additional screening clinics throughout the state; to develop an Autism resource center; to provide time-limited early intervention services through a Medicaid waiver for a period while the child is young, which would offer early intensive intervention; and to build capacity to train people in Alaska to provide the intensive intervention services for children with autism.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On June 27, 2012, Alaska became the 31st state to enact autism insurance reform. S.B. 74, first introduced in the 2011 session, provides coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for individuals under the age of twenty-one, without a maximum annual benefit. Covered treatments include habilitative or rehabilitative care, such as applied behavior analysis, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care. S.B. 74 also created the Autism Task Force, which will survey the effects of S.B. 74, as well as make recommendations concerning the development of a statewide plan to aid the early diagnosis and treatment of autism. The act will be effective January 1, 2013, though the task force was effective immediately and will conclude January 15, 2013, unless prolonged. (Alaska Statutes Chapter 63, SLA 12)
MEDICAID
Alaska Home Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS): People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AK.0260.R04.00)
This waiver, implemented on July 1, 2006, allows individuals with developmental disabilities, and more specifically autism, to remain living at home and within their community. Services provided under this waiver include: providing care coordination, day habilitation, residential habilitation, respite, supported employment, chore, environmental modifications, intensive active treatment, meals, specialized medical equipment and supplies, and specialized private duty nursing and transportation. This waiver has no age restriction or limit and expires on June 30, 2016.
http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dsds/docs/HCBMRDD_waiver.pdf
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC)
The AARC is a program of the Special Education Service Agency (SESA), which seeks to promote awareness and support of autism in the communities of Alaska. AARC provides information to families of children with autism and helps to increase the availability of services in the state. Also, the center provides in-service training to school districts and provides information on all aspects of autism spectrum disorders.
http://alaskaarc.org/
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Alaska State Legislature meets annually on the fourth Monday in January. Each session can last for no more then 120 consecutive days, unless extended by a 2/3 vote. The 2012 session convened on January 17, 2012 and adjourned on April 15, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 15, 2013 and is expected to adjourn on April 14, 2012.
http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/index.php
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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