2012 State Autism Profiles
COLORADO
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 505 or 0.64% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services inColoradohave autism. In 2010-2011, 3,788 or 4.47% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Colorado for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
53 |
368 |
| Age 6-11 |
317 |
1,889 |
| Age 12-17 |
118 |
1,264 |
| Age 18-21 |
17 |
267 |
| Age 6-21 |
452 |
3,420 |
| Age 3-21 |
505 |
3,788 |
Source: Reported by the State of Colorado 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 Colorado for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
8,202 |
11,797 |
| Age 6-11 |
34,364 |
35,089 |
| Age 12-17 |
32,942 |
33,107 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,207 |
4,717 |
| Age 6-21 |
70,513 |
72,913 |
| Age 3-21 |
78,715 |
84,710 |
STATE TASK FORCE
The Colorado Autism Commission
On April 14, 2008, Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. signed into law S.B. 163, which establishes the Colorado Autism Commission. The commission will be comprised of 24 individuals, including self-advocates and parents of children of individuals with autism, appointed by the governor. The commission was charged with examining the current services offered in Coloradoas compared to other states and formulating a 10-year plan to address the needs of the growing number of Coloradans diagnosed with autism. The commission submitted their final report to the governor and General Assembly on October 1, 2009.
http://www.jfkpartners.org/documents/Colorado%20Autism%20Commission%20Report_final.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On June 2, 2009, Governor Bill Ritter signed into law S.B. 244, requiring insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders by all plans issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2010. Under the law, coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis may not exceed $34,000 for children 8 and under and $12,000 for children ages 9 to 18. Coloradoalso has a mental health parity law which requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of biologically-based mental illnesses. Autism is not included in the definition of mental illnesses as defined in the statute. (CO Rev Stat §10-16-104.3) A separate provision for autism states that “any sickness or accident insurance policy that provides coverage for disabilities due to sickness shall also provide coverage for autism as with any accident or sickness, other than mental illness.” (CO Rev Stat §10-16-104.5)
Coordinated System of Payment for Early Intervention
On May 15, 2007, S.B. 4 was signed into law to establish the development of a state plan for comprehensive early intervention services in accordance with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The state plan would include an interagency cooperation agreement and the development of a coordinated system of payment for early intervention services for children from birth to 3 years with developmental disabilities or developmental delays.
MEDICAID
Colorado Home and Community-Based Services Waiver
Children with Autism Waiver
Implemented on January 1, 2009,Coloradooffers a home and community-based services waiver for children ages 6 years old or younger with autism. In order to be eligible, a child must have received a diagnosis of autism by a licensed physician and be younger than six years old. Behavioral therapy services are covered at a maximum of $25,000 per year for 3 years or until the child’s sixth birthday. A maximum of 75 children can be enrolled at any one time. This waiver expires on December 31, 2013.
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251684399466&ssbinary=true
EDUCATION
Colorado Department of Education Autism Task Force
In 1997, the Colorado Department of Education created the Colorado Autism Task Force to review and address the educational needs of students with autism. The task force was comprised of parents, educators, and other professionals with an interest in autism. The task force provided recommendations and best practices to the Colorado Department of Education for the education of students with autism. Brochures, fact sheets, and manuals were developed as resources for parents and educators of students with autism.
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/SD-Autism.asp
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Colorado General Assembly meets annually on the second Wednesday of January for no more than 120 days. The Second Regular Session of the Sixty-eighth General Assembly convened on January 11, 2012 and adjourned on May 9, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 9, 2013 and is expected to adjourn no later than May 9, 2013.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
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Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.