2012 State Autism Profiles
NORTH DAKOTA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 135 or 0.99% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in North Dakota have autism. In 2010-2011, 590 or 5.15% of children with disabilities ages 6-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in North Dakota for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
17 |
N/A |
| Age 6-11 |
71 |
270 |
| Age 12-17 |
38 |
262 |
| Age 18-21 |
9 |
58 |
| Age 6-21 |
118 |
590 |
| Age 3-21 |
135 |
N/A
|
Source: Reported by the State of North Dakota 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 North Dakota for 1999-2000 and 2008-2009
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
1,247 |
1,714 |
| Age 6-11 |
5,880 |
5,319 |
| Age 12-17 |
5,814 |
5,447 |
| Age 18-21 |
711 |
690 |
| Age 6-21 |
12,405 |
11,456 |
| Age 3-21 |
13,652 |
13,170 |
STATE TASK FORCE
On April 8, 2009, Governor John Hoeven signed S.B. 2174, creating a task force on autism spectrum disorders. Members of the task force will be appointed by the governor, and include legislators, representatives from state agencies, providers, parents, and other professionals with an interest in autism. The task force will review early intervention and family support services, programs that transition individuals from schools to adult day programs or employment. Additionally, the task force will review the costs of providing services and determine whether federal resources could be used. The task force developed a state plan that was presented to the governor and legislature in 2010.
http://governor.nd.gov/boards/boards-query.asp?Board_ID=159
http://northdakota.areavoices.com/files/2010/10/autism-task-force-report1.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
The State of North Dakota does not have a specific health insurance mandate for autism at this time. Limited coverage may be available through the state’s mental health coverage. Under this law, group health insurers must provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, as with other conditions. (ND Cent Code §26.1-36-09)
MEDICAID
North Dakota Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: ND Autism Spectrum Disorder
This waiver, implemented on November 1, 2010, provides environmental modifications, equipment and supplies, in-home supports, and intervention coordination for children from birth to their fifth birthday with autism. Families will have access to an evaluation team that can validate their child’s diagnosis and serve as a resource for the family’s local service providers. Qualifying families will also receive training, help coordinating services, and access to in-home support staff to help provide structured activities focusing on communication, behavior, and other individual needs. The waiver will also provide financial help with the cost of equipment, supplies, and environmental modifications. This waiver expires on October 31, 2013.
http://www.state.nd.us/humanservices/policymanuals/816-508/pi_s/pi-12-06_2nd_revision_in_home_support_5-23-12.pdf
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
Early Intervention Program
North Dakota, due to medical advances that have enabled earlier identification of autism, offers early intervention programs to children age birth to 3. For a child to qualify for development disability case management, they must be performing below age norms in one or more areas. The child must also have been diagnosed as having a high probability of becoming developmentally delayed.
http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/speced/guide/autism.pdf
Special Education Services
North Dakota offers special education services to children ages 3 to 21. To qualify, a student must undergo an evaluation before a multidisciplinary team. The potential student must display a minimum six symptoms from a variety of three different categories. The student must show at least two symptoms of extreme difficulty in social relationships and at least one symptom of impairment of communication. The student must also display at least one symptom of displaying a preoccupation with objects, sensations, rituals, and routines. The team may use a diagnosis of autism from a medical professional, but it is not required. The team must also utilize two different assessment tools to determine eligibility.
http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/speced/guide/autism.pdf
Regional Autism Centers
S.B. 2268 was introduced in the 2011 legislation and signed into law by Gov. Jack Dalrymple on April 26, 2011. S.B. 2268 authorized the Department of Human Services to use up to $200,000 to create regional autism centers to provide early intervention services. The regional autism centers are a part of a pilot program that is expected to last for two years from 2011 to 2013. S.B. 2268 also mandated a legislative study of the existing care system for people with autism spectrum disorder. The study will consider the diagnosis and treatment of people with autism spectrum disorder in North Dakota.
Legislation
S.B. 2108 was introduced January 3, 2008 and signed into law April 10, 2008, redefining a student with a disability and including a specific reference to students with autism. A student with a disability is now defined as a person between the ages of 3 and 21 who requires special education and related services. The disabilities include autism, traumatic brain injury, and hearing or visual impairments, among others.
http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/60-2007/bill-text/HQRP0400.pdf
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The North Dakota State Legislature meets biennially from the first week of January through the last week in April. The 2011 Legislative Session convened on January 1, 2011 and adjourned April 28, 2011. The 2013 Legislative Session will convene on January 8, 2013 and is expected to adjourn no later than April 30, 2013.
http://www.legis.nd.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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