2012 State Autism Profiles
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 119 or 1.13% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in the District of Columbia have autism. In 2010-2011, 423 or 3.85% of children with disabilities ages 6-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in the District of Columbia for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
16 |
N/A |
| Age 6-11 |
73 |
242 |
| Age 12-17 |
27 |
150 |
| Age 18-21 |
3 |
31 |
| Age 6-21 |
103 |
423 |
| Age 3-21 |
119 |
N/A |
Source: Reported by the District of Columbia 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 the District of Columbia for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
374 |
957 |
| Age 6-11 |
4,844 |
3,960 |
| Age 12-17 |
4,592 |
5,818 |
| Age 18-21 |
749 |
1,212 |
| Age 6-21 |
10,185 |
10,990 |
| Age 3-21 |
10,559 |
11,947 |
STATE TASK FORCE
The District of Columbia does not have an active task force on autism at this time.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
The District of Columbiapassed Law 16-198, the “Health Insurance Coverage for Habilitative Services for Children Act of 2006.” Under the law, health insurers are required to provide coverage for habilitative services for children with a congenital or genetic birth defect, which includes autism spectrum disorders and cerebral palsy. Habilitative services covered include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Health insurers are not required to cover services provided through school or early intervention services. Coverage is provided at a minimum at the same level as other conditions. (DC ST §31-3271). Limited health insurance coverage also may be available under the mental health parity law, which requires health insurers for employers and individual to offer coverage for the medical and psychological treatment of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and mental illness. Mental illness is defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). (DC ST §31-3102).
On November 17, 2009 the “Health Insurance Coverage for Children with Autism Act of 2009” (B18-0528) was introduced. The autism insurance bill was then referred to the Public Services and Consumer Affairs Committee. On March 24, 2010, the Committee held a hearing on the bill; however, no further action was taken.
EDUCATION
The Office of the State Superintendant of Education was created June 12, 2007 as part of the Public Education reform Amendment of 2007. The OSSE will have authority over all special education programs in theDistrict of Columbia. The OSSE is working with public and private schools to put in to affect the changes that will better serve the needs of special education students.
http://osse.dc.gov/page/about-osse
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES AND COURTS
In July 2012, a federal court in Washington, D.C. ruled against Tricare, the health care program for Uniformed Service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. The case, Kenneth Berge v United States of America, was a class action suit against the insurance provider regarding its refusal to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for active-duty members in its Basic Health program, as well as its refusal to cover ABA for retirees. U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton heard the case and gave directions that ABA therapy coverage be provided to beneficiaries in the Basic Program, and that beneficiaries who qualify for reimbursement be repaid.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The District of Columbia Council meets twice each month, excluding the month of August. The 2011-2012 session convened on January 3, 2011 and is expected to adjourn December 31, 2012. The 2012-2013 is expected to convene January 2012 and is expected to adjourn on December 31, 2013.
http://dc.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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