2012 State Autism Profiles
CONNECTICUT
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 1,377 or 1.86% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Connecticut have autism. In 2010-2011, 6,302 or 9.24% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Connecticut for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
152 |
763 |
| Age 6-11 |
800 |
2,962 |
| Age 12-17 |
367 |
2,151 |
| Age 18-21 |
58 |
426 |
| Age 6-21 |
1,225 |
5,539 |
| Age 3-21 |
1,377 |
6,302 |
Source: Reported by the State of Connecticut 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 Connecticut for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
7,172 |
7,933 |
| Age 6-11 |
29,734 |
25,952 |
| Age 12-17 |
33,583 |
30,520 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,397 |
3,762 |
| Age 6-21 |
66,714 |
60,234 |
| Age 3-21 |
73,886 |
68,167 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Connecticut Task Force on the Issues for the Education of Children with Autism
In 1996, the Connecticut Department of Education convened a task force on the educational needs of children with autism. Based upon its findings, the task force prepared a “Report of the Connecticut Task Force on the Issues for the Education of Children with Autism,” which was revised in 1998. In 2005, the report was updated and re-titled to “Guidelines for the Identification and Education of Children and Youth with Autism.” Known as the guidelines, the 2005 revision serves as a best practices guide to educating children with autism.
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Guidelines_Autism.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On June 5, 2008, Governor M. Jodi Rell signed into law H.B. 5696 a health insurance mandate for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Under the law, effective January 1, 2009, individual and group health insurance policies that provide coverage for basic hospital expenses, basic and major medical-surgical expenses, and hospital or medical coverage shall also provider coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Treatment covered includes physical, occupational, and speech. (PL 08-132)
In 2009, S.B. 301 expanded the insurance mandate to cover both treatment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. In addition to physical, occupational, and speech therapies, insurers must cover behavioral therapy and drugs prescribed specifically for the treatment of autism. Coverage for behavioral therapy may be limited yearly depending on the age of the patient. Coverage is required for behavioral therapy at a maximum yearly benefit of $50,000 for children under the age of 9, $35,000 for children ages 9 to 12, and $25,000 for children ages 13 to 14.
In January 2011, S.B. 672 was introduced to require out of state health plans to provide treatment for autism spectrum disorder and referred to the Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate.
S.B. 974 and S.B. 978 also were introduced during the session to expand group health plans to include “developmental/relationship based therapy” as an alternative covered therapy for autism spectrum disorder. On March, 31 2011 SB 978 was reported out of the Legislative Commissioner’s office with a favorable report and tabled.
S.B. 542 was introduced during the session to include autism spectrum disorders within the definition of “developmental disabilities” used by the Department of Developmental Services and referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health. No further action was taken on any of the bills.
MEDICAID WAIVER
In August 2011, the Commissioner of Social Services indicated his intent to apply to the Center for Medicaid Services for three Medicaid 1915(c) waivers for individuals with autism spectrum disorders who do not also have a diagnosis of mental retardation. Two of the waivers were sought for children age three and above and for adults who require residential habilitation, personal supports, respite, clinical behavioral supports, supported employment, job coaching, community transition services, life skills coaching, community transition services or short term crisis stabilization to remain in their own home, family home or other community home. The third waiver is for children age eight and above who require residential habilitation, personal supports, respite, clinical behavioral supports, supported employment, job coaching, community transition services, life skills coaching, community transition services, short term crisis stabilization or continuous residential supports to remain in their own home, family home or community home. The Division of Autism is currently developing the Autism Medicaid Waiver with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. On April 30, 2012, a single revised waiver application was resubmitted to the Center for Medicaid Services with the Department of Developmental Services as the operating agency. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is pursuing a separate waiver for people with autism and mental health disorders.
http://www.ct.gov/dds/lib/dds/autism/final_waiver_status_update_autism_forum_5_22_12.pdf
http://www.ct.gov/dds/lib/dds/autism/waiver/proposed_ct_autism_waiver_4-30-2012.htm
EDUCATION
H.B. 5590 was signed into law by Gov. M. Jodi Rell on June 5, 2008 to develop recommendations for a new state plan for instructors of students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Aspects that will be covered include characteristics of students with autism, curriculum, assistive technology, educational practices. Recommendations were presented to the general assembly by March 2, 2009. (Special Act No. 08-5)
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Updates/Minutes_3209.pdf
H.B. 5425, An Act Concerning Special Education, was enacted on June 8, 2010 providing that a local or regional board of education is responsible for providing applied behavior analysis services to any child with autism if the individualized education plan requires these services. The law went into effect July 1, 2010.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Division of Autism Spectrum Disorders
On May 9, 2011 the governor signed H.B. 6278 into law creating a Division of Autism Spectrum Disorders within the Department of Developmental Services. H.B. 6278 directed the Division to develop and provide services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as serve as the lead agency for the Combating Autism Act. The Division also assumed responsibility for services provided as part of the pilot program created under H.B. 5666. The pilot program was discontinued with the passage of H.B. 6278.
http://www.ct.gov/dds/cwp/view.asp?a=2730&q=442840
Pilot Program for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
While Connecticut does not have a specific home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver for autism, the Department of Developmental Services offers a pilot program to provide services to adults with autism spectrum disorders. In May 2008, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed into law H.B. 5666, authorizing an expansion of the pilot program for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The program provides case management services, other supports and services to adults with autism spectrum disorders who are not eligible for other types of services offered by the Department of Developmental Services and do not have mental retardation. The results of the pilot were reported per statute in January 2009 to the legislature including recommendations for a system addressing the needs of people with autism: establish an independent council to advise the Department of Developmental Services with respect to system design, implementation and quality enhancement; establish procedural safeguards; design and implement a quality enhancement and improvement process; and design and implement an interagency data and information management system.
http://www.ct.gov/dds/lib/dds/autism/pilot_program_outcome_study.pdf
http://www.ct.gov/dds/lib/dds/autism/final_autism_report.pdf
Pilot Program Expansion
In the January 2011 Session, SB 529 was introduced to expand the pilot program and to establish a center for autism services in Southeast Connecticut. In March 2011, SB 529 was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health and had a public hearing. No further action was taken.
Autism Study
S.B. 230 was introduced on January 21, 2009 requesting a study of the increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorders inConnecticut. The legislation was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health on January 21, 2009. No further action was taken.
Employment
S.B. 360 was introduced on January 22, 2009 to grant a tax credit of $1,500 for employers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders who have received state-education or state-funded training. The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees on February 4, 2009. No further action was taken.
S.B. 477 was introduced in 2010 to provide a tax credit to employers to defray the cost of a job coach for employees with autism spectrum disorders. The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding in March 2010. No further action was taken.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Connecticut General Assembly meets annually on the Wednesday after the first Monday in January. The 2012 Regular Session convened on February 8, 2012 and adjourned on May 9, 2012. The 2013 Session is expected to convene on January 9, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in May or June of 2013.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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