2012 State Autism Profiles
NEW MEXICO
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 231 or 0.44% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in New Mexico have autism. In 2010-2011, 1,545 or 3.31% 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 Mexico for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
6 |
138 |
| Age 6-11 |
120 |
781 |
| Age 12-17 |
86 |
542 |
| Age 18-21 |
19 |
84 |
| Age 6-21 |
225 |
1,407 |
| Age 3-21 |
231 |
1,545 |
Source: Reported by the State of New Mexico 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 Mexico for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
4,970 |
5,224 |
| Age 6-11 |
21,424 |
21,248 |
| Age 12-17 |
23,538 |
17,764 |
| Age 18-21 |
2,324 |
2,378 |
| Age 6-21 |
47,286 |
41,390 |
| Age 3-21 |
52,256 |
46,614 |
STATE TASK FORCE
The State of New Mexico does not have an active task force on autism at this time.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On April 2, 2009, Governor Bill Richardson signed S.B. 39 into law, mandating health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in persons 19 years old and younger or 22 years old and younger if enrolled in high school. This coverage is limited to prescribed treatments and may cost no more than $36,000 annually and $200,000 in total lifetime benefits. Beginning in 2011, these limits will be adjusted for inflation on January 1 of each year.
In the 2011 session, S.B. 416 was introduced to amend the Gross Receipts and Compensating Tax Act to exempt certain autism treatment service providers from gross receipts taxation. There was no further action.
MEDICAID
New Mexico Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: NM Mi Via-ICF/MR
This waiver, implemented on October 1, 2009, provides a consultant and support guide, customized community supports, employment supports, homemaker and direct support services, respite, home health aide services, skilled therapy for adults, personal plan facilitation, assisted living, behavior support consultation, community direct support, customized in-home living supports, emergency response services, environmental modifications, nutritional counseling, private duty nursing for adults, related goods, specialized therapies, and transportation for individuals w of all ages with autism, developmental disabilities, and mental retardation. This waiver expires on September 30, 2014.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
S.B. 34 was introduced to authorize the New Mexico Department of Human Services to apply for an HBCS waiver for adaptive skills building services for children with autism five years old and younger. The legislation was referred to the Senate Public Affairs Committee on January 20, 2009. No further action was taken.
EDUCATION
New Mexicodefines autism spectrum disorders as a developmental disability under the category of physical disabilities, as defined in IDEA (34 CFR Sec. 300.7(c)(2)). The New Mexico Public Education Department requires the Multi-Disciplinary Team to evaluate and assess students with autism on categories, such as language skills, cognitive and intellectual abilities, adaptive behavior, communications, and social skills.
In the 2011 session the legislature considered S.B. 314, which would have required schools, when evaluating a child for autism spectrum disorder or developing a plan for that child, to consider a wide range of treatment and therapy options available to the child in school and out of school. S.B. 314 passed both houses but was vetoed by the Governor.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Voluntary Autism Registry
S.B. 43 was introduced to appropriate funds for the Department of Health to create a voluntary registry for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The legislation was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on January 28, 2009. No further action was taken.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The New Mexico State Legislature meets each year beginning in January for sixty days in odd-numbered years and for thirty days in even-numbered years. The 2012 Session convened on January 17, 2012 and adjourned on February 16, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 15, 2013 and is expected to adjourn on March 16, 2013.
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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