2012 State Autism Profiles
KENTUCKY
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 1,032 or 1.09% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Kentucky have autism. In 2010-2011, 3,927 or 3.84% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Kentucky for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
168 |
425 |
| Age 6-11 |
638 |
1,881 |
| Age 12-17 |
199 |
1,404 |
| Age 18-21 |
27 |
215 |
| Age 6-21 |
864 |
3,502 |
| Age 3-21 |
1,032 |
3,927 |
Source: Reported by the State of Kentucky 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 Kentucky for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
16,372 |
17,963 |
| Age 6-11 |
42,030 |
46,171 |
| Age 12-17 |
32,858 |
34,113 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,312 |
4,123 |
| Age 6-21 |
78.200 |
84,407 |
| Age 3-21 |
94,572 |
102,370 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Kentucky Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Kentucky Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders was established by H.B. 296, which was signed into law by Governor Ernie Fletcher in 2005. The commission met for a year to review and assess the training, treatment, and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The commission prepared a state plan with recommendations to the Governor, the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Legislative Research Commission on October 1, 2006, and the commission dissolved on October 1, 2007. Rep. Scott W. Brinkman (R-Louisville) served as the chair. Upon dissolution of the commission, a subcommittee was appointed by the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities to monitor the implementation of the state plan. The subcommittee, under H.B. 296, prepares an annual report on the status of the state plan to the Governor and Legislative Research Commission until 2015. A copy of the state plan and 2010 annual update on the state plan may be found on the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities’ website.
http://chfs.ky.gov/ccdd/HB+296+KY+Commission+on+Autism+Spectrum+Disorders.htm
http://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/9E302793-5CAB-46EE-AD79-DDE2FEA21F21/241821/HB296report2010.pdf
In 2011, S.B. 107 was introduced by Senators to create an Office of Autism Spectrum Disorders within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department, Department of Behavioral Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, to establish the State Interagency Autism Spectrum Disorder Council, and to establish the council's membership and responsibilities. The purpose of the new Office and Council would be to develop and monitor the implementation of a comprehensive state plan for an integrated system of training, treatment and services for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorder. The bill was sent to the Committee on State and Local Government. No further action was taken.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On April 14, 2010, Governor Beshear signed into law H.B. 159, autism insurance legislation. The law requires health insurance companies to provide coverage and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The maximum annual benefit for people between the ages of one and six is $50,000. For people between seven and twenty-one, a maximum monthly benefit is $1,000. Additionally, health insurance companies are required to provide coverage of habilitative/rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care and therapeutic care.
In May 2012, a state order was issued directing insurers to start covering ABA services provided by “supervisees.” The Kentucky Department of Insurance issued an advisory opinion in order to direct health insurers to cover services provided by supervised ABA providers, saying that autism treatment in the state would be “severely compromised” without such coverage. The advisory opinion clarified the interpretation of the autism insurance coverage law passed in 2010.
EDUCATION
The Kentucky Department of Education developed a training manual, the “Technical Assistance Manual on Autism for Kentucky Schools,” for instructors of students with autism. The manual provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders and the support systems that instructors, staff, and school administrators may offer to students with autism, including the development of the student’s individualized education plan. Legislation has been proposed that includes a requirement for the Kentucky Department of Education to update the manual. The legislation has not passed.
http://www.education.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/39BCCC1C-5E01-4CE3-B98B-D55D9287FD75/0/autismmanual.doc
Autism Scholarship Program
H.B. 219 was introduced on February 3, 2009 to establish an autism scholarship program to allow a student with autism to attend a school outside of the resident school district. Eligible students must meet the definition of autism as defined in the Kentucky Revised Statutes. The scholarship is awarded in an amount determined by the Kentucky Department of Education. The maximum award is 100% of the “per pupil funding base” and corresponding add-on funds for an exceptional child allotted under the Support Education Excellence inKentucky. The bill was referred to the House Education Committee. No further action was taken.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Kentucky Autism Training Center and Annual Autism Institute
The Kentucky Autism Training Center (KATC) was created under legislation that was signed into law in 1996 to provide resources, information, training and technical assistance to individuals with autism and their families, service providers, and educators. KATC is administered by the University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development in partnership with the Department of Special Education and Bingham Child Guidance Center. KATC also sponsors an annual autism institute.
http://louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
In January 2011, S.B. 77 was proposed in order to allow holders of personal ID cards to individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This would allow individuals with autism to purchase a $1 sticker identifying their condition to place on their ID. On February 1, 2011, S.B. 77 was referred to Transportation. No further action was taken.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Kentucky legislature convenes in regular session on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January for 60 days in even-numbered years and for 30 days in odd-numbered years. The Kentucky Constitution mandates that a regular session be completed no later than April 15 in even-numbered years and March 30 in odd-numbered years. 2012 session convened on January 3, 2012 and adjourned on April 12, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 2, 2013 and will adjourn on March 7, 2013.
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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