2012 State Autism Profiles
MISSOURI
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 1,723 or 1.25% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Missouri have autism. In 2010-2011, 7,297 or 5.74% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Missouri for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
134 |
403 |
| Age 6-11 |
1,030 |
3,706 |
| Age 12-17 |
474 |
2,775 |
| Age 18-21 |
85 |
413 |
| Age 6-21 |
1,589 |
6,894 |
| Age 3-21 |
1,723 |
7,297 |
Source: Reported by the State of Missouri 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 Missouri for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
11,307 |
15,891 |
| Age 6-11 |
60,312 |
52,885 |
| Age 12-17 |
59,130 |
51,177 |
| Age 18-21 |
6,632 |
7,211 |
| Age 6-21 |
126,074 |
111,273 |
| Age 3-21 |
137,381 |
127,164 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism
In April 2007, Sen. Michael Gibbons (R-Kirkwood), Senate President Pro Tempore, and Sen. Scott T. Rupp (R-Wentzville) commissioned a blue ribbon panel on autism to review autism spectrum disorders in the state of Missouri and to provide recommendations for improving support systems and services for individuals with autism. The panel was composed of sixteen members, including legislators, representatives from state agencies, healthcare providers, and professionals with an interest in autism. The panel submitted a final report in December 2007, providing legislative recommendations for improving services for individuals with autism.
http://www.senate.mo.gov/autism/autism2007.pdf
Missouri Office of Autism Spectrum Disorders
In March 2008, S.B. 1127 was introduced to establish an Office of Autism Spectrum Disorders within the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to develop programs for individuals with autism. The legislation was signed into law on June 23, 2008. The Office of Autism Services also is charged with developing an implementation plan for fulfilling the appropriate recommendations detailed in the final report of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism. The Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities identifies the Office of Autism Spectrum Disorders as one of their initiatives.
http://dmh.mo.gov/dd/autism/
Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
S.B. 768 was signed into law on June 23, 2008, establishing a Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders with administrative support provided by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. The commission meets at a minimum four times per year in order to review and make recommendations on statewide autism support services, training, and treatment for individuals with autism. The commission is composed of legislators, representatives from state agencies, health care providers, and parents of individuals with autism. The law also created an Office of Autism Services within the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
http://governor.mo.gov/boards/show/AUTISM
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On June 10, 2010, Missouri Governor Nixon signed H.B. 1311 into law. The new law requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies, including behavioral health treatment such as applied behavior analysis (ABA). The final version of H.B. 1311 includes coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism spectrum disorders up to $40,000 per year, or more if medically necessary, through age 18. Insurance coverage for non-ABA therapies is not subject to age limits or monetary caps. Insurers cannot impose visit limits on any coverage under the new law, other than the dollar cap on ABA. The new law’s effective date was January 1, 2011. http://www.house.missouri.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/hb1311.htm
Missouri passed the “Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Insurance Act,” which includes autism as defined in the International Classification of Diseases. Under the law, mental illnesses are subject to the same coverage provided for physical or medical illnesses. (Missouri Revised Statutes §376.825-376.827)
During the 2011 legislative session, H.B. 950 was introduced, requiring a health insurer to reimburse anyone that is supervised by a licensed psychologist for providing Applied Behavioral Analysis services to a child with autism spectrum disorder. H.B. 950 was referred to the Committee on Special Standing and Committee on Disability Services. No further action was taken.
MEDICAID
Autism Waiver
Implemented on July 7, 2009, this wavier provides services for individuals with autism between the ages of 3 and 18. These services include in-home respite, personal assistant, behavior analysis, environmental accessibility adaptations, out of home respite, specialized medical equipment and supplies (adaptive equipment), support broker, and transportation. There is a cap of $22,000 per year per participant. This waiver expires on June 30, 2012.
http://dmh.mo.gov/dd/progs/waiver/autism.htm
Missouri Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: Missouri MO Partnership for Hope
This waiver, implemented on October 1, 2010, provides community employment, day service, job preparation, a personal assistant, temporary residential service, dental services, assistive technology, behavioral analysis service, a community specialist, employer- provided job supports, environmental accessibility adaptations, job discovery, OT, PT, positive behavior support, professional assessment and monitoring, specialized medical equipment and supplies (adaptive equipment), speech therapy, a support broker, and transportation for individuals of all ages with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on September 30, 2013.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Division of Special Education offers programs and services to support students with autism. Professional development and training programs are also offered to support instructors of students with autism through Project ACCESS and the PDA Center.
http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/EffectivePractices/Autism.htm
Legislation
S.B. 157, signed into law by Governor Jay Nixon on July 8, 2009, codifies the five regional autism projects currently serving persons with autism and their families through the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The regional projects may provide certain services, including assessment, advocacy training, behavior management training and supports, consultation on individualized education plans, crisis intervention, information, referrals, life skills, music and occupational therapies, parent and caregiver supports, public education, respite care, and staff training.
http://www.senate.mo.gov/09info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=530379
During the 2011 legislative session, H.B. 40 was introduced, requiring an expansion of services for children with autism spectrum disorder and training for teachers. H.B. 40 included the following provisions: all children with autism spectrum disorder receive services through the First Steps Program; teachers receive special instruction on identifying a child with autism spectrum disorder; schools provide clearer information to parents on special education resources; and a commission be developed to report to the legislature on how to address the needs of people with autism spectrum disorder. H.B. 40 was referred to the Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education. No further action was taken.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
On July 8, 2009, Governor Jay Nixon signed H.B. 525 into law, requiring the Division of Developmental Disabilities to work with families, regional councils, and the newly-created Missouri Parent Advisory Committee on Autism to establish programs and services for individuals with autism. The division director will divide the state into five regions within which regional projects will be implemented to meet the needs of those with autism.
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills091/bills/hb525.htm
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Missouri General Assembly meets in Regular Session on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. Laws may be pre-filed from December 1 to the first day of the legislative session. The 2012 legislative session convened on January 4, 2012 and adjourned on May 18, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 9, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in May 2013.
http://www.moga.mo.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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