2012 State Autism Profiles
MICHIGAN
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 4,706 or 2.13% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Michigan have autism. In 2010-2011, 14,855 or 6.78% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Michigan for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
631 |
1,219 |
| Age 6-11 |
2,408 |
6,572 |
| Age 12-17 |
1,338 |
5,901 |
| Age 18-21 |
329 |
1,163 |
| Age 6-21 |
4,075 |
13,636 |
| Age 3-21 |
4,706 |
14,855 |
Source: Reported by the State of Michigan 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 Michigan for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
19,937 |
23,183 |
| Age 6-11 |
98,647 |
88,987 |
| Age 12-17 |
92,223 |
94,035 |
| Age 18-21 |
10,649 |
12,752 |
| Age 6-21 |
201,519 |
195,774 |
| Age 3-21 |
221,456 |
218,957 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Autism Council
In the 2012 session, Governor Rick Snyder issued EO 2012-11, creating an Autism Council within the State Department of Community Health. This council will implement the state’s Autism Spectrum Disorders State Plan.
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277--281477--,00.html
ASD Planning Workgroup
The Autism Spectrum Planning Workgroup was a statewide initiative established in 2005 as a collaboration of the Michigan Departments of Human Services, Community Health and Education to review and address the needs of children ages 0-to-6 years with autism spectrum disorder, including screening, diagnosis, treatment and intervention. The Human Services Director approved the workgroup’s composition of representatives of the departments, parents, healthcare providers, clinicians, and professionals with an interest in autism spectrum disorder. Recommendations were made to the Human Services Director in 2006, and approved in June 2007.
http://asd.cenmi.org/Recommendations.aspx
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In April 2012, S.B. 414 and 415 were signed by Governor Richard Snyder making Michigan the 30th state to enact autism insurance reform. The new law includes coverage for care prescribed or by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary. Coverage of evidence based services provided for under this legislation includes pharmacy, psychiatric, psychological, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and other behavioral services. Insurance companies are allowed to cap combined annual coverage of behavioral health treatment, including Applied Behavior Analysis, at up to $50,000 per year (varies by age) for individuals up to the age of 18.
MEDICAID
Michigan Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: MI Children's Waiver Program
This waiver, implemented on October 1, 2010, provides respite, enhanced transportation, fiscal intermediary, community living supports, environmental accessibility adaptations and specialized medical equipment and supplies, home-care training, and specialty service for individuals up to age 17 with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on September 30, 2015.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services, offers personnel development grants – Autism Collaborative Endorsement and the Interdisciplinary Certificate – for instructors of students with autism through its Center for Educational Networking. The Autism Collaborative Endorsement (ACE) allows special education teachers to receive a second endorsement in autism through its online program. The Interdisciplinary Certificate is awarded to educators who have met a certain set of competencies, such as having obtained advanced education and experience in autism. Lastly, the Statewide Autism Resources & Training Center (START), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education and Grand Valley State University, provides training and comprehensive resources to parents of individuals with autism and educators of students with autism.
http://www.cenmi.org/Portals/0/FocusArticles/Volume7_Issue1_Article1.pdf
http://www.cenmi.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MNLjNVfEPt4%3D&tabid=79
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
In the 2011 session, S.B. 37 was introduced to establish the Autism Research Fund in the Department of Community Health. This bill would provide for the distribution of the money from the fund, prescribe the powers and duties of certain agencies and officials; and provide for appropriations. A companion bill, S.B. 36 would have allowed tax payers to contribute $5.00 or more of their annual tax refund to various research organizations, including the Autism Research Fund. Both bills were referred to the Committee on Finance. No further action was taken.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Michigan Legislature meets in Regular Session the second Wednesday in January each year. The 2012 session convened on January 11, 2012 and will continue in session throughout the year. The 2013 session will convene on January 9, 2013 and will continue in session throughout the year.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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