2012 State Autism Profiles
HAWAII
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 364 or 1.52% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Hawaii have autism. In 2010-2011, 1,298 or 6.58% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Hawaii for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
88 |
234 |
| Age 6-11 |
195 |
561 |
| Age 12-17 |
72 |
425 |
| Age 18-21 |
9 |
78 |
| Age 6-21 |
276 |
1,064 |
| Age 3-21 |
364 |
1,298 |
Source: Reported by the State of Hawaii 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 Hawaii for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2008-2009 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
1,919 |
2,398 |
| Age 6-11 |
10,265 |
7,808 |
| Age 12-17 |
11,046 |
8,863 |
| Age 18-21 |
721 |
647 |
| Age 6-21 |
22,032 |
17,318 |
| Age 3-21 |
23,951 |
19,716 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Hawaiidoes not have an active task force on autism at this time. However, legislation was ratified and sent to the Governor to create a temporary task force that would review benefits and coverage for autism spectrum disorders (H.B. 2727). Under the legislation, effective July 1, 2008, the temporary task force met for one year to review the issues and needs of children with autism spectrum disorders, and to research health insurance benefits and coverage in other states. The task force was comprised of nine members, including representatives from state agencies, officials, and other members with an interest in autism. The task force prepared recommendations on services for a health insurance mandate for autism spectrum disorders and proposed legislation to the legislature. The task force report was completed in December 2008 and presented to the state legislature.
http://gen.doh.hawaii.gov/sites/LegRpt/20091/Act%20221%20Leg%20Report%20narrative%20-%20ASD%20Task%20Force.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In the 2012 session, legislators introduced S.B. 2631 and H.B. 2405 to require private insurance companies in Hawaii to cover the screening, diagnosis, testing, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The legislation required group health insurance plans to provide health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders to individuals under 26 years old to a maximum benefit of $50,000 per year with no limits on the number of visits to an autism service provider. The diagnosis must be made by a licensed physician, psychologist, or registered nurse practitioner under a prescribed treatment plan deemed medically necessary. Covered services include psychiatric care, psychological care, rehabilitative and habilitative care, therapeutic care, and pharmacy care. On February 14, 2012, S.B. 2631 was voted out of two Senate committees with amendments. No further action was taken on the bills.
EDUCATION
The Hawaii Department of Education, Special Education Division offers educational services to students with autism and works with each student to develop an individualized educational plan. The division also has education specialists in autism in each district around the state, and offers training on autism to teachers and professionals.
http://doe.k12.hi.us/specialeducation/autism/index.htm
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Hawaii State Legislature meets in Regular Session on the third Wednesday in January for sixty days. The 2012 Session convened on January 18, 2012 and adjourned on May 3, 2012. The 2013 Session will convene on January 16, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in May 2013.
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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