2012 State Autism Profiles
ARIZONA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 1,213 or 1.26% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Arizona have autism. In 2010-2011, 7,542 or 5.99% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Arizona for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
94 |
447 |
| Age 6-11 |
731 |
4,096 |
| Age 12-17 |
316 |
2,581 |
| Age 18-21 |
72 |
418 |
| Age 6-21 |
1,119 |
7,095 |
| Age 3-21 |
1,213 |
7,542 |
Source: Reported by the State of Arizona 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 Arizona for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
9,144 |
14,756 |
| Age 6-11 |
43,369 |
54,021 |
| Age 12-17 |
39,936 |
51,301 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,993 |
5,738 |
| Age 6-21 |
87,298 |
111,060 |
| Age 3-21 |
96,442 |
125,816 |
STATE TASK FORCE
On April 28,, 2010, the Governor signed S.B. 1181 into law, enacting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force. The task force will: review the coordination of services; identify problems and recommend solutions regarding the availability of services; identify current funding sources; recommend opportunities for the sharing of resources and services; identify evidence-based treatments and best practices; and identify state models and service systems for persons with autism spectrum disorder. This task force consists of 17 members who include representatives from organizations, members of the Senate, educators and other providers.
http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/Chapter_Laws/2010/49th_Legislature_2nd_Regular_Session/CH_206.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
S.B. 1263/H.B. 2847, known as Steven’s Law, became law in March 2008. Originally introduced by Sen. Amanda Aguirre (D-Yuma) Steven’s Law requires group health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The law prohibits health service or medical service corporations from excluding or denying coverage for the diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and services, for autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the law explicitly prohibits the exclusion or denial of coverage for medically necessary behavioral therapy, including applied behavior analysis, from or under the supervision of a licensed or certified provider. The law exempts small business or individual health insurance policies and services rendered outside of the state. Behavioral therapy is covered for an eligible individual at a maximum of $50,000 per year up to the age of 9 years old and at a maximum of $25,000 per year for an eligible individual between the ages of 9-16. S.B. 1263 was amended onto H.B. 2847, legislation sponsored by Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R-Safford), as a compromise between the health insurance industry and lawmakers. Additionally, an agreement was reached for a moratorium until 2011 on any further insurance coverage requirements pertaining to autism.
http://www.phxautism.org/wp-content/pdf/resources/hb2847-HouseEngrossed.pdf
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Arizona Scholarship for Pupils with Disabilities
Since 2006, the Arizona Scholarship for Pupils with Disabilities provides scholarships to qualifying students with disabilities to attend a qualified public school in another school district or to attend a private school. Parents interested in applying for a scholarship for their child exercise their parental option to place their child in a qualified school. Scholarships are awarded on a “first come, first served” basis. The maximum scholarship awarded is equivalent to the amount allotted for the student in the resident school district. Approximately, $2.5 million has been appropriated for the scholarship program. The program is slated to terminate in 2016.
http://law.onecle.com/arizona/education/15-891.html
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Arizona State Legislature meets in Regular Session annually on the second Monday in January. The 2012 Regular Session convened on January 9, 2012 and adjourned on May 3, 2012. The 2013 Regular Session will convene on January 14, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in April 2013.
http://www.azleg.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
*This document is in the Adobe PDF format. You will need to download free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view these documents. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free by clicking on the Adobe graphic below.