2012 State Autism Profiles
ARKANSAS
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 766 or 1.23% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Arkansas have autism. In 2010-2011, 2,857 or 4.40% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Arkansas for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
95 |
255 |
| Age 6-11 |
488 |
1,463 |
| Age 12-17 |
162 |
1,040 |
| Age 18-21 |
21 |
99 |
| Age 6-21 |
671 |
2,602 |
| Age 3-21 |
766 |
2,857 |
Source: Reported by the State of Arkansas 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 Arkansas for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
9,376 |
13,036 |
| Age 6-11 |
24,158 |
24,970 |
| Age 12-17 |
25,959 |
24,037 |
| Age 18-21 |
2,729 |
2,840 |
| Age 6-21 |
52,846 |
51,847 |
| Age 3-21 |
62,222 |
64,883 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism
In April 2009, Governor Mike Beebe signed into law S.B. 938, creating a new statewide legislative task force on autism. Under the law, the Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism meets at least once every three months to examine the state’s response to autism spectrum disorders, determine best practices, and make recommendations pertaining to efficient treatment methods, obtaining funds for treatment, and changes to the law that will improve education and treatment for those with autism spectrum disorders. The task force is composed of legislative officials, representatives from state agencies, educators, healthcare providers, members of the public, and other professionals with an interest in autism. The Task Force will report to the General Assembly on or before August 31st of each year. This task force is similar to the previous task force on autism, which was created in 2007 and adjourned in 2008.
http://www.arkansashouse.org/committee/985/arkansas-legislative-task-force-on-autism
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In the 2011 session the Arkansas legislature passed H.B. 1315, now Act 196, 2011 mandating insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Under this law health plans are required to provide, without limitation, pharmaceutical care, psychiatric care, psychological care, therapeutic care, and equipment determined necessary to provide evidence based treatment. Applied Behavioral Analysis would have a $50,000 annual limit and be limited to children under the age of 18 years old. This legislation was signed into law on March 4, 2011.
Arkansas also has mental health parity legislation, which requires health insurance coverage and benefits for the treatment of mental illnesses, as defined in the International Classification of Diseases and Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (Arkansas Code §23-99-501).
MEDICAID
Arkansas Autism Partnership, a Medicaid waiver program
The new Arkansas autism waiver targets children with a diagnosis of autism from a physician, psychologist, and speech-language pathologist who are between 18 months and 7 years. The program provides intensive home-based intervention using evidence-based strategies and can be provided for a maximum of 30 hours per week for no longer than a 3 year period. The services are delivered by a tiered team – consultant (masters level), lead therapist (bachelors level), line therapist (paraprofessional level) who are hired by community-based non-profit organizations who are certified to participate in the program. The program began accepting applications September 1, 2012 and program initiation began October 1, 2012.
Arkansas Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS): AR Alternative Community Services
AR Alternative Community Services, implemented on July 1, 2009, provides case management, respite, supportive living, supported employment, specialized medical supplies, adaptive equipment, community transition, consultation, crisis intervention, environmental modifications, and supplement support for individuals with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disorders. There is no age limit for receiving benefits. AR Alternative Community Services expires on June 30, 2014.
EDUCATION
Elementary and Secondary Education
On April 4, 2011 S.B. 780, now Act 1146, was signed into law. Act 1146 amends the state’s definition of quality professional development for teachers of students with disabilities. Under S.B. 780, quality professional development will use research-based methods and data to determine educational goals and methods for educating children with special needs.
University Research
On April 8, 2009,Arkansas enacted S.B. 638, now known as Act 1100, which creates an appropriation to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for research and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Funds of $100,000 were granted to the program in S.B. 104, which was enacted on February 26, 2010. The funds are effective as of July 1, 2010.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
On February 26, 2010, in the budget for the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (S.B. 27/Fiscal Act 275) $1,500,000 is provided from the developmental disabilities services fund account for autism treatment, coordination grants and aid.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Arkansas General Assembly meets in Regular Session for sixty days biennially. The 88th General Assembly Fiscal Session 2012 convened on February 13, 2012 and adjourned on March 9, 2012. The 89th General Assembly Session will convene In January 2013 and is expected to adjourn in March 2013.
http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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