2012 State Autism Profiles
MISSISSIPPI
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 419 or 0.67% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Mississippi have autism. In 2010-2011, 2,356 or 3.68% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Mississippi for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
34 |
176 |
| Age 6-11 |
220 |
1,198 |
| Age 12-17 |
138 |
862 |
| Age 18-21 |
27 |
120 |
| Age 6-21 |
385 |
2,180 |
| Age 3-21 |
419 |
2,356 |
Source: Reported by the State of Mississippi 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 Mississippi for 1999-2000 and 2010-201
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
6,944 |
10,191 |
| Age 6-11 |
28,423 |
28,039 |
| Age 12-17 |
24,217 |
22,268 |
| Age 18-21 |
2,697 |
3,540 |
| Age 6-21 |
55,337 |
53,847 |
| Age 3-21 |
62,281 |
64,038 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Autism Advisory Committee
During the 2011 session, the Mississippi legislature enacted H.B. 1125 to create an Autism Advisory Committee to study, make recommendations and develop a strategic plan on how best to educate and train students with autism or ASD to maximize their potential productivity with the workforce and to develop an annual plan. The plan will be due in July of each year. The first report was issued July 1, 2011.
http://www.dmh.state.ms.us/pdf/MAAC%20Report%207%201%2011.pdf
Caring for Mississippi Individuals with Autism Task Force
H.B. 1267 was signed into law by Gov. Haley Barbour on March 26, 2007, creating a state taskforce to evaluate the needs of individuals with autism, in particular the areas of medical, education, and early intervention, and to propose recommendations for improving services for autism in the state. The task force was comprised of 15 members who represented state agencies, parents, and other professionals with an interest in autism. Susan Buttross, M.D. served as the chair, and Nicole Boyd, J.D. served as the vice-chair. The task force found that care and services for people with autism were inadequate. To address this problem, the task force proposed recommendations, such as a waiver that would provide services to individuals with autism. The task force also recommended that all teachers and special education professionals receive better training about autism spectrum disorders and that community colleges offer classes on the autism spectrum disorders so that graduates are better prepared to work with individuals with autism. A final report was submitted to the governor and legislature on December 1, 2007. S.B. 2058 was introduced to reinstate the task force to continue its work through July 1, 2009. The bill was introduced on January 6, 2009 and referred to the Public Health and Welfare Committee. No further action was taken
http://www.dmh.state.ms.us/documents/ReportFinal3.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
S.B. 2146 was introduced during the 2011 session to require all health plans to provide for diagnosis and treatment of people under the age of 21 with autism spectrum disorders. S.B. 2146 limited coverage for Applied Behavioral Analysis to $50,000 a year and required the Department of Mental Health to develop standards for credentialing autism service providers. S.B. 2146 was referred to the Committee on Insurance and died in committee. A similar bill, S.B. 2757, was introduced during the 2011 legislative session, which required state health plans to provide health coverage for people with autism spectrum disorder. It also died in committee.
MEDICAID
Mississippi Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: Mississippi MS Intellectual Disabilities/DD
Implemented on July 1, 2008, this waiver allows for people with developmental disabilities, such as autism, to remain living at home and within their community if they meet the ICF/MR requirements. Services provided under this waiver include: day services (adults), prevocational, residential habilitation, respite, support coordination, supported employment, behavior support and intervention, home and community supports, specialized medical supplies, and therapy services. There is no age restriction on this waiver, and it expires on June 30, 2013.
http://www.medicaid.ms.gov/LongTermCare.aspx#HCBSWaiverPrograms
EDUCATION
Mississippi defines autism as a developmental disability that affects communications and social interactions, usually manifested before the age of three, which adversely affects a child’s educational performance. To be eligible to receive special education services, a student must undergo a comprehensive assessment. The assessment includes physical and emotional tests, as well as achievement tests to see if the student is performing below their age norms. Teachers may also be asked to provide a narrative or developmental history of the student.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Classrooms
S.B. 2122 was introduced during the 2011 legislative session, requiring the State Board of Education in collaboration with the Department of Education to review the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in Mississippi schools and develop autism spectrum disorder classrooms designed to meet the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disorder. The classrooms were not intended to supplant current programs for children with special needs, but rather supplement currently offerings. S.B. 2122 was referred to the Committee on Education and Appropriations and died in committee.
Also in the 2011 session, H.B. 933 was introduced to include students with autism spectrum disorder within the definition of an “at-risk pupil.” The legislation also died in committee.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Mississippi State Legislature meets annually on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. The 2012 session convened on January 3, 2012 and adjourned on May 3, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 8, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in April or May of 2013.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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