2012 State Autism Profiles
INDIANA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 3,077 or 1.97% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Indiana have autism. In 2010-2011, 11,751 or 7.08% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Indiana for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
456 |
978 |
| Age 6-11 |
1,624 |
5,302 |
| Age 12-17 |
844 |
4,753 |
| Age 18-21 |
153 |
718 |
| Age 6-21 |
2,621 |
10,773 |
| Age 3-21 |
3,077 |
11,751 |
Source: Reported by the State of Indiana 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 Indiana for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
15,101 |
18,725 |
| Age 6-11 |
73,852 |
68,399 |
| Age 12-17 |
60,770 |
68,941 |
| Age 18-21 |
6,597 |
10,008 |
| Age 6-21 |
141,219 |
147,348 |
| Age 3-21 |
156,320 |
166,073 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Indiana Commission on Autism
The Indiana Commission on Autism was established under Indiana Code 12-11-7. The commission was comprised of fourteen members designated by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate who are each allowed to designate four legislative members and three others. In February 2007, the commission prepared a report, “Indiana Comprehensive State Plan to Guide Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” with an interagency cooperation agreement. The report reviewed the service delivery systems and effectiveness of programs for individuals with autism. Sen. David Long (R-Fort Wayne) served as the chair, and Speaker B. Patrick Bauer (South Bend) served as the vice-chair. Upon the submission of the report, the Indiana Interagency Coordinating Committee was established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the state plan. The Indiana Commission on Autism still meets regularly, with Rep. Robert Heaton serving as the chairperson.
http://www.ai.org/legislative/interim/committee/auti.html
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In 2001, the 112th General Assembly passed H.B. 1122 and was enrolled as Indiana Code 27-8-14.2, known as the “Autism Insurance Mandate.” Under Indiana Code 27-8-14.2, group health insurance coverage is required for pervasive developmental disorders, which include autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Individual health plans are required to provide an option offering coverage for autism spectrum disorders. Coverage is limited to treatment prescribed in accordance to a treatment plan prescribed by healthcare provider. Pervasive developmental disorders are defined as a neurological condition. Simultaneously, the General Assembly passed H.B. 1047 which defines autism as a neurological condition, consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
Ind. Code § 27-8-14.2-1 et seq. and § 27-13-7-14.7 (HB 1122 of 2001; Fiscal Impact Statement)
MEDICAID
Indiana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS): IN Autism
Indiana offers a Medicaid waiver specifically for individuals diagnosed with autism. This waiver, implemented January 1, 2009, provides services including adult day services and foster care, residential habilitation and support, respite care, behavioral support services and crisis assistance, community transition, environmental modifications, PT, family and caregiver training, music therapy, OT, PERS, psychological therapy, recreational therapy, specialized medical equipment and supplies, speech and language therapy. This waiver applies to all ages and expires on December 31, 2013.
http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2549.htm
Indiana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: IN Developmental Disabilities
This waiver, implemented on October 1, 2009, provides services including residential habilitation and support, respite, supported employment, psychological therapy, speech and language therapy, adult foster care, behavioral support, community-based habilitation, community transition, electronic monitoring, environmental modifications, facility-based habilitation, facility-based support services, family and caregiver training, intensive behavior intervention, music therapy, PERS, recreational therapy, specialized medical equipment and supplies, transportation, and workplace assistance for individuals of all ages with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on September 30, 2014.
Indiana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: IN Support Services
This waiver, implemented on April 1, 2010, provides services including psychological therapy, speech and language therapy, behavioral support services, community-based habilitation, facility-based habilitation, facility-based support services, family and caregiver training, intensive behavioral intervention, music therapy, PERS, recreational therapy, specialized medical equipment and supplies, transportation, and workplace assistance for individuals of all ages with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on March 31, 2015.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
Indiana Administrative Code Article 7 provides guidelines for special education. Rule 26 specifies the eligibility categories and criteria for disabilities, which include autism. The 115th General Assembly passed H.B. 1428 and was signed into law by the Governor. H.B. 1428 requires officers within a school corporation police force to receive training on how to work with students with autism. Additionally, H.B. 1428 allows schools to have their staff receive training or education on autism. S.B. 410 was introduced on January 12, 2009 requiring certified and non-certified employees within a school corporation to undergo training on how to interact with students with autism spectrum disorders. Also, the legislation requires state educational institutions with coursework in social services to include curricula on autism. The legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development.
http://www.inautismcoalition.org/advocacy.html
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Indiana Department of Education Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders
In 2006, the IndianaDepartment of Education, Division of Exceptional Learners convened the Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders to determine ways to improve the educational and functional skills of students with autism through development of policies, regulations, guidelines, and training of educational personnel. The task force identified strategies for encouraging collaboration across service lines, such as creating partnerships with schools, other health care providers, parents and children and providing guidance to the Department of Education on state policy issues that may affect children with autism.
Autism Training for Emergency Responders
H.B. 1455 was introduced on January 13, 2009 to require law enforcement personnel and firefighters to undergo training on interacting with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The legislation was signed into law by the governor on May 6, 2009 and went into effect on July 1, 2009. Section 2 of the new law, which will take effect on January 1, 2010, requires the Department of Education create a document explaining autism to be distributed to school corporations for distribution to noncertified employees. This required training for law enforcement personnel and firefighters was reinstated on March 12, 2010 in S.B. 222.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Indiana Code 12-11-8 authorized theDevelopmentalTrainingCenterat theIndianaUniversityinBloomingtonto establish a resource center for autism. The resource center provides information on federal, state, and local services to families of a child with autism. In addition, the resource center offers training and technical system about autism. Every three years, the resource center is expected to conduct a statewide assessment on the status of services provided to individuals with autism and to identify additional needs for support services.
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=32
Autism Resource Centers
H.B. 1236 was introduced on January 12, 2009, requiring the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services to establish and operate three regional autism resource centers inIndiana. The legislation was passed in the House and was brought to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Health and Provider Services. No further action was taken.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Indiana General Assembly meets each year. The 2012 General Session convened on January 4, 2012 and adjourned on March 9, 2012. The 2013 General Session will adjourn on January 8, 2013 and is expected to adjourn no later than April 30, 2013.
http://www.in.gov/legislative/
Sponsors of Autism Legislation:
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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