2012 State Autism Profiles
NEW JERSEY
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 3,322 or 1.50% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in New Jersey have autism. In 2010-2011, 13,356 or 5.76% 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 Jersey for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
397 |
1,099 |
| Age 6-11 |
2,124 |
7,202 |
| Age 12-17 |
654 |
4,156 |
| Age 18-21 |
147 |
899 |
| Age 6-21 |
2,925 |
12,257 |
| Age 3-21 |
3,322 |
13,356 |
Source: Reported by the State of New Jersey 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 Jersey for 1999-2000 and 2008-2009
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
16,361 |
17,073 |
| Age 6-11 |
102,704 |
99,144 |
| Age 12-17 |
92,176 |
105,445 |
| Age 18-21 |
10,474 |
10,340 |
| Age 6-21 |
205,354 |
214,929 |
| Age 3-21 |
221,715 |
232,002 |
STATE TASK FORCE
New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force
In September 2007, A4057/S2599 was signed into law, creating the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force. The goals of the task force are to study the needs of adults with autism and offer recommendations for improving support services, particularly in the areas of job training, job placement, housing, and long-term care. The task force has 13-members: six appointed by the governor, five commissioners from state agencies, and a member appointed by the Senate President and Speaker of the Assembly. The Task Force issued its report in October 2009, outlining recommendations and legislation for consideration to the governor and legislature.
https://wwwnet1.state.nj.us/GOV/APPT/GOV_APPT_WEB/Default.aspx
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/boards/AATFrpt.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In August 2009, Governor Jon Corzine signed A2238/S1651 into law, requiring health benefits coverage for the expenses of the costs of screening and diagnosing autism or another developmental disability, including coverage of certain treatments deemed medically necessary in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (autism, childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder) as prescribed by the covered individual’s physician. Covered treatments include physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and evidence-based behavioral interventions. (New Jersey Statutes L.2009, c.115, s.4. 17B:26-2.1cc)
MEDICAID
New Jersey Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS): NJ Renewal Waiver (0031.R01.00)
This waiver, implemented on October 1, 2008, provides case management, day habilitation, individual supports, respite, supported employment, community transition, support coordination, assistive technology devices, environmental and vehicle adaptations, PERS, 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
Gov. Corzine signed A4055/S2558 into law in September 2007, requiring teacher training in awareness and instruction methods for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Under the new law, the Commissioner of Education is expected to provide recommendations to address the needs of students with autism, including reviewing curriculum, assistive technology, and inclusive educational practices. Additionally, through the Governor’s 2007 Initiative on Autism, the state offered $15 million in grants to 55 local school districts and regional special education public school providers to create new programs; expand existing programs, or enhance services and supports for students with autism.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
New Jersey Governor’s Council on Medical Research and Treatment for Autism
The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Autism was established by statute in 1999 to conduct research into the cause and treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Funding was renewed in 2000, and in 2003 a $1 surcharge was added to moving violations for five years; funds generated from the violations would go directly to the council. A4059/S2569 was signed into law in September 2007 and extends funding by eliminating a five-year sunset provision. A4054/S698 was also signed into law to restructure the council and renamed the council to the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Medical Research and Treatment for Autism.
https://wwwnet1.state.nj.us/GOV/APPT/GOV_APPT_WEB/Default.aspx
First Responders Training
A1908 was signed into law by Gov. Corzine on September 9, 2008 and authorizes the development of a training program for first responders, police, and other emergency personnel on the appropriate recognition and response techniques when encountering an individual with autism spectrum disorders.
Registry
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Health and Senior Services received funding to establish a mandatory autism registry. The registry would amend the birth-defects registry by requiring health care practitioners to report children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders from birth through the 21st birthday. The registry would allow the state to connect those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to state-provided social and economic assistance services.
http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/documents/autism_registry_providers.pdf
http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/sch/schr.shtml
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The New Jersey Legislature meets in Regular Session for a two-year term split into two annual sessions and begins the second Tuesday in January of the even-numbered year. The 2012 session will convene January 10, 2012 and is expected to adjourn January 2013. The 2013 session will convene in January 2013 and is expected to adjourn in January 2014.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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