2012 State Autism Profiles
IOWA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 665 or 0.92% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Iowa have autism. In 2010-2011, 765 or 1.12% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services in Iowa have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Iowa for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
128 |
83 |
| Age 6-11 |
276 |
310 |
| Age 12-17 |
208 |
334 |
| Age 18-21 |
53 |
38 |
| Age 6-21 |
537 |
682 |
| Age 3-21 |
665 |
765 |
Source: Reported by the State of Iowa 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 Iowa for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
5,580 |
7,378 |
| Age 6-11 |
29,821 |
27,581 |
| Age 12-17 |
33,365 |
30,001 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,695 |
3,541 |
| Age 6-21 |
66,881 |
61,123 |
| Age 3-21 |
72,461 |
68,501 |
STATE TASK FORCE
On May 13, 2008, Governor Chester Culver signed into law appropriations legislation (H.S.B. 795/S.F. 2425) creating a thirteen member Iowa Autism Council to study the unique needs of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. The council advises the state on the development of a coordinated support system to provide diagnostic, intervention and support services for individuals with autism. Members of the autism council includes individuals with autism or their families, educators, health care providers, professionals with an interest in autism, and representatives of related state agencies. The legislation also specified issues that the council should address: early identification, early intervention, special education, training, integration and coordination of community support services, in-home support services, financing options, and data collection. The Council’s 2009-2010 recommendations in these areas were submitted to the governor.
http://educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1642&Itemid=592
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On April 29, 2010, Governor Chet Culver signed the S.F. 2531, the Standing Appropriations bill that included an amendment requiring the state employees health plan provide coverage of autism diagnosis and treatment for state employees and their families. Coverage is subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year and is available to individuals with autism under 21 years of age. Services include diagnosis, habilitative or rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, therapeutic care, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) if prescribed as medically necessary by one of the following: a licensed physician, licensed psychologist, licensed social worker, or licensed registered nurse practitioner.
In February 2012, S.F. 2128 was proposed in the Senate to require certain group health insurance policies, contracts, or plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for individuals under the age of 26 for services that are prescribed or provided by a physician or licensed psychologist. Coverage would include diagnosis, applied behavior analysis, psychiatric care, pharmacy care, psychological care, and therapeutic care up to $36,000 annually. This mirrored the bill passed 2 years prior for state employees, but would encompass all insurance plans regulated by state insurance rules. The Senate approved S.F. 2128, but the House failed to take it up in the 2012 session.
EDUCATION
H.F. 2031 was introduced in January 2008 which includes a requirement for teachers to be trained in the awareness and preparation for instructing students with autism. The original language in the legislation included funds for the Iowa Department of Education to set up the training for teachers. Additionally, the legislation would create an Autism Advisory Council to advise the state board of education and board of educational examiners regarding the best practices for school districts on the education of students with autism, and to make quarterly recommendations on improving state programs and policies. H.F. 2031 was introduced to the Education Committee and went to the Subcommittee where the bill was defeated and replaced by language that became the Iowa Autism Council. (See: State Task Force)
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Regional Autism Services Program
The Regional Autism Services Program coordinates community-based services and support for individuals with autism as part of a joint effort with the Bureau of Children, Family, and Community Services at the Iowa Department of Education, Child Health Specialty Clinics, and the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City. The Advisory Group reviews and makes decisions about activities and initiatives in autism.
http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/autismservices/
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Iowa Legislature meets in Regular Session on the second Monday in January each year. The 2012 session convened on January 10, 2012 and adjourned on May 9, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 14, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in early May 2013.
http://www.legis.iowa.gov/index.aspx
Sponsors of Autism Legislation:
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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