2012 State Autism Profiles
NEW HAMPSHIRE

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DEMOGRAPHICS

In 2000, 397 or 1.32% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in New Hampshire have autism. In 2010-2011, 1,726 or 5.77% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.

Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in New Hampshire for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)

Source: Reported by the State of New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)

STATE TASK FORCE

New Hampshire Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
H.B. 396 was introduced in January 2007 and signed into law by Gov. John Lynch to create a commission on autism spectrum disorders. Under the legislation, the commission will meet to review the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders in the state. Members of the commission included legislative officials, representatives from state agencies, and other professionals with an interest in autism. The commission will prepare a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the speaker of the house, president of the senate, house and senate clerks, the governor, and state library. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services serves as the lead agency. Rep. Suzanne S. Butcher served as the chair. The commission released its report on May 13, 2008.
http://www.nhcouncilonasd.org/CouncilFiles/NH_Report.pdf

New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders
H.B. 1634 was introduced in the legislature in March 2008, creating the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders, as a follow-up to one of the recommendations proposed by the New Hampshire Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders. H.B. 1634 was passed and adopted by the Senate on May 15, 2008 and was signed by the Gov. John Lynch on June 11, 2008. Under the legislation, the primary function of the council is to coordinate services to parents and families. The council also advises state agencies in implementing recommendations outlined in the commission’s report.
http://www.nhcouncilonasd.org/

In the 2011 session, H.B. 407 was proposed in order to establish a committee to study the rising incidence of autism, as well as the financial effects of autism on families and society and whether or not there are enough trained health care providers to care for the rising number of individuals with autism. The committee would consist of three members from the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House, as well as two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate. As of March 15, 2011, H.B. 407 was still in the House. No further action was taken.

STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE

H.B. 569 was introduced on January 8, 2009 amending current mental health parity law to require health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The bill was amended and passed by the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, and sent to the House where it was passed and sent to the Senate for review on January 6, 2010. After amends from the Senate Commerce Labor and Consumer Protection Committee, H.B. 569 or “Connor’s Law,” was passed in the Senate unanimously on May 5, 2010. The House concurred with the Senate’s version of the bill on May 19, where it was sent to the Governor’s desk for enactment. On July 23, Governor Lynch enacted Connor’s Law. Connor’s Law includes treatment for autism spectrum disorders as provided by a licensed physician or psychologist and includes habilitative or rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, or therapeutic care. There is a maximum benefit of $36,000 for children ages 0 to 12 and a maximum benefit of $27,000 for children ages 13 to 21. An insurer may require a treatment plan stating that the treatment is medically necessary and is consistent with nationally recognized treatment standards.

During the 2011 session, a bill was introduced that would repeal requirements that health insurance provide coverage for early intervention therapy as well as diagnosis and treatment of pervasive developmental disorder or autism. H.B. 309 was referred to Interim Study on March 21, 2012.

MEDICAID

New Hampshire Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: NH In Home Supports for Children w/DD
This waiver, implemented on January 1, 2011, provides enhanced personal care, consultations, environmental and vehicle modifications, family support and service coordination, and respite care for individuals up until age 21 with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on December 31, 2015.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html

OTHER STATE RESOURCES

In 2006, H.B. 1709 was signed into law allowing the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to create an autism registry. The registry will contain all reported cases of autism spectrum disorder in the state ofNew Hampshire. All new cases of autism spectrum disorder are to be reported by physicians, psychologists, or other licensed health care providers trained to make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The Department of Health and Human Services will maintain confidentiality of all information recorded in the registry.
http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bds/registry.htm

STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The New Hampshire General Court meets in Regular Session biennially on the first Wednesday in December in even years for organizational purposes, and assembles annually on the first Wednesday in January. The 2012 session convened on January 4, 2012 and adjourned on June 6, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 2, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in June 2013.
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/

SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION

• Rep. Sandra Keans (D-Rochester) District 1

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