2012 State Autism Profiles
OHIO
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 2,543 or 1.07% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Ohio have autism. In 2010-2011, 16,411 or 6.33% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Ohio for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
326 |
1,343 |
| Age 6-11 |
1,537 |
7,482 |
| Age 12-17 |
605 |
6,388 |
| Age 18-21 |
75 |
1,198 |
| Age 6-21 |
2,217 |
15,068 |
| Age 3-21 |
2,543 |
16,411 |
Source: Reported by the State of Ohio 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 Ohio for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
18,664 |
22,454 |
| Age 6-11 |
102,456 |
98,207 |
| Age 12-17 |
103,580 |
119,165 |
| Age 18-21 |
12,943 |
19,165 |
| Age 6-21 |
218,979 |
237,000 |
| Age 3-21 |
237,643 |
259,454 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Ohio Autism Task Force
In 2003, then Governor Bob Taft signed into law H.B. 95, which included the establishment of the Ohio Autism Taskforce (OAT). OAT was requested to explore the incidences of autism in the state in order to improve deliveries of service and support systems to individuals with autism. Twenty-two members served on the taskforce, including 18 public members appointed by the governor, representatives from the state legislature and agencies, and other stakeholders interested in autism. The taskforce met for a year and prepared recommendations to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate. Rep. Jon Peterson (R-Delaware) served as the chair and Denise Caruso of the Autism Society of Ohio served as the vice-chair.
http://www.asgc.org/Ohio_Autism_Taskforce.htm
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In 2012, House bill H.B. 598 and companion Senate bill S.B. 381were introduced to amend the definition of “biologically based mental illness” in the Ohio Mental Health Parity Act to include pervasive developmental disorder . The Mental Health Parity Law specifies that biologically based mental illnesses, now including PDD, should be covered by health insurers as a “basic health care service” Coverage for diagnostic and treatment services for biologically based mental illnesses related to PDD, including autism, Asperger’s, Rett Syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder, will be required and will include applied behavior analysis (ABA) when provided or supervised by a certified behavior analyst, physician or psychologist, or a mental health professional. Annual ABA benefits will be capped at $50,000. There is no age cap. No action has yet been taken on the bills.
In 2009, H.B. 8 was introduced to prohibit group or individual health insurance policies or public employee benefit plans from denying coverage for medically necessary services provided to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Medically necessary services include habilitative or rehabilitative care; pharmacy care; psychiatric care; psychological care; therapeutic care; and counseling services. Coverage is not subject to limitations on the number of visits to any autism service provider. The legislation also created a commission on autism spectrum disorders to make recommendations to the director of health on additional treatment or therapies to be covered under health insurance plans or public employee benefit plans. The bill passed the House but never passed the Senate.
MEDICAID
Ohio Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: OH Transitions DD
This waiver, implemented on July 1, 2010, provides adult day health center services, personal care aide services, emergency response services, home-delivered meals, home modifications, out-of-home respite, supplemental adaptive and assistive devices, supplemental transportation, and waiver nursing services for individuals of all ages with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on June 30, 2015.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Autism Scholarship Program
The Ohio Department of Education’s Autism Scholarship Program provides up to $20,000 per school year ($7,000 per quarter maximum) to the parents of a qualified child with autism to send their child to a special education program outside of their child’s school district for services outlined in the child’s individualized education program (IEP).
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=981&ContentID=6678&Content=87265
Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence
H.B. 119 §3323.30 includes the establishment of The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) within the Ohio Department of Education’s Office for Exceptional Children. OCALI serves as a resource for parents, educators and professionals interested in autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and multiple disabilities. Additionally, OCALI administers programs and provides services for individuals with autism or those interested in learning more about autism.
http://www.ocali.org/
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Ohio Autism Diagnosis Education Pilot Project
H.B. 119 established the creation of the Autism Diagnosis Education Pilot Project in the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention Services. The pilot project is administered by the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics in five counties: Warren County, Belmont County, Wood County, Franklin County, and Cuyahoga County. The pilot project is intended to educate families, health care professionals, educators and others interested about the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, to promote appropriate standards, and to encourage regional coordination of services. For more information, visit the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' website.
http://ohioaap.org/
Legislation
In the 2011 session, S.B. 149 was proposed to revise the definition of "mobility impaired person" to include a person who is diagnosed with autism for purposes of the statutes governing assistance dogs. No further action has been taken.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Ohio General Assembly meets annually. The 129th session of the general assembly (2011-2012) convened on January 3, 2011 and is expected to adjourn on December 19, 2012. The 130th session (2012-2013) will convene in January 2012 and is expected to adjourn in December 2013.
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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