2012 State Autism Profiles
NEBRASKA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 374 or 0.87% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Nebraska have autism. In 2010-2011, 2,085 or 4.71% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Nebraska for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
37 |
218 |
| Age 6-11 |
206 |
966 |
| Age 12-17 |
93 |
772 |
| Age 18-21 |
38 |
129 |
| Age 6-21 |
337 |
1,867 |
| Age 3-21 |
374 |
2,085 |
Source: Reported by the State of Nebraska 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 Nebraska for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
3,724 |
5,050 |
| Age 6-11 |
19,420 |
20,149 |
| Age 12-17 |
17,594 |
17,108 |
| Age 18-21 |
2,055 |
1,992 |
| Age 6-21 |
39,069 |
39,249 |
| Age 3-21 |
42,793 |
42,299 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Nebraska Special Education Advisory Council Ad Hoc Committee on Autism
The State of Nebraska does not have an active task force on autism at this time. L.R. 85 was introduced on April 24, 2007 to conduct an interim study on autism spectrum disorders. The legislation was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee, but no further action was taken. In 2001, the Nebraska Special Education Advisory Council formed an Ad Hoc Committee on Autism to review and address the educational needs of students with autism. The committee was comprised of parents, educators of students with autism, and representatives from state agencies. A state plan was developed and initiated in 2002.
http://www.unl.edu/asdnetwork/sites/unl.edu.autism-spectrum-disorders/files/documents/guidelines_resources/asd_state-plan.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
During the 2011 legislative session, L.R. 219 was introduced requiring that a study be completed on the level of health care coverage currently available in Nebraska for people with autism spectrum disorders. The study must also consider the cost of coverage to the state ofNebraskaand ways to expand coverage for people living inNebraska. L.R. 219 was referred to the Committee on Banking, Commerce and Insurance. A hearing on the legislation was held November 30, 2011. No further action was taken.
Nebraska does not have a specific health insurance mandate for autism spectrum disorders at this time. Limited coverage may be available under Nebraska’s mental health parity law, which states that mental health conditions must be covered, as with other medical conditions, if the plan offers mental health coverage. The law covers mental health conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, as defined in the International Classification of Diseases. (NE Rev Stat §44-792 (2007))
MEDICAID
Nebraska Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: Nebraska NE Autism
This waiver, implemented on April 8, 2012, provides early intensive behavioral intervention to children ages 0-17 with autism. This waiver expires on April 7, 2015.
Nebraska Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: NE Community Supports HCBS Waiver for Adults w/ID/DD
This waiver, implemented on August 1, 2009, provides respite, assistive technology and supports, community living and day supports, home modifications, PERS, and vehicle modifications for individuals ages 21 and older with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on July 31, 2014.
Nebraska Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: NE Day Services Waiver for Adults w/DD
This waiver, implemented on January 1, 2011, provides integrated community employment, prevocational workshop habilitation, respite, assistive technology and supports, behavioral risk services, community inclusion day habilitation, community living and day supports, home modifications, medical risk services, PERS, retirement services, team behavioral consultation, vehicle modifications, vocational-planning habilitation, and workstation habilitation for individuals ages 21 and older with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on December 31, 2015.
Nebraska Home and Community-Based Services Waiver NE Comprehensive DD Waiver for Adults
This waiver, implemented on January 1, 2011, provides group home residential habilitation, integrated community employment, prevocational workshop habilitation, respite, assistive technology and supports, behavioral risk services, community-inclusion day habilitation, community living and day supports, companion home residential habilitation, extended family home residential habilitation, home modifications, in-home residential habilitation, medical risk services, PERS, retirement services, team behavioral consultation, vehicle modifications, vocational planning habilitation, and workstation habilitation for individuals ages 21 and older with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This wavier expires on December 31, 2015.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Network
The Nebraska ASD Network was established in 2002 and is funded by the Nebraska Department of Education. The ASD Network offers training to schools and families through workshops and trainings, and supports children with autism spectrum disorders through the regional autism centers or the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Regions.
http://www.unl.edu/asdnetwork/
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Autism Conference
The Nebraska ASD Network hosts an annual conference on autism spectrum disorders. The conference is an opportunity for parents, educators, and students to learn more about autism and best practices for educational services.
http://www.unl.edu/asdnetwork/
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Nebraska State Legislature meets annually on the first Wednesday in January for approximately 90 days in odd-numbered years or 60 days in even-numbered years. The second session of the 102nd legislature convened on January 4, 2012 and adjourned on April 18, 2012. The 2013 session is scheduled to convene in January 2013 and is expected to adjourn in April or May of 2013.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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