2012 State Autism Profiles
OKLAHOMA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 675 or 0.79% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Oklahoma have autism. In 2010-2011, 3,062 or 3.15% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Oklahoma for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
9 |
164 |
| Age 6-11 |
438 |
1,405 |
| Age 12-17 |
193 |
1,346 |
| Age 18-21 |
35 |
147 |
| Age 6-21 |
666 |
2,898 |
| Age 3-21 |
675 |
3,062 |
Source: Reported by the State of Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
6,393 |
8,298 |
| Age 6-11 |
37,986 |
42,638 |
| Age 12-17 |
36,969 |
41,710 |
| Age 18-21 |
4,229 |
4,604 |
| Age 6-21 |
79,184 |
88,952 |
| Age 3-21 |
85,577 |
97,250 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Autism Working Group
The State ofOklahomadoes not have an active task force on autism at this time. In 2001, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services Division convened an Autism Working Group, comprised of representatives from state agencies, educators, parents, and professionals with an interest in autism, to develop a state plan to improve services for individuals with autism. The group met for two years, and upon its dissolution, created the Oklahoma Autism Network to manage and implement “The Individuals with Autism and Their Families Oklahoma Plan.” The network received funding from the Department of Human Services to implement the Oklahoma Autism Pilot Program and to provide in-home support services to individuals with autism. The program was discontinued due to insufficient funding.
http://okautism.org/okplan/default.asp
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Legislation (S.B. 1, also known as “Nick’s Law,” H.B. 1312, H.B. 1841, S.B. 36, and S.B. 46) was introduced in January 2009 by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm (D-Durant), requiring health insurance benefits and coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders to individuals 21 years or younger. Covered services include diagnosis, testing, treatment, therapies, medications, and supplements as prescribed by a licensed physician. Behavioral therapy would be covered up to a maximum of $75,000 per year for a maximum of three years. S.B. 1, 36, and 46 were referred to the Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee. H.B. 1841 was referred to the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee. H.B. 1312 was defeated in the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee on February 5, 2009. No further action was taken.
Additionally, some coverage will be available under S.B. 2045, passed on April 22, 2010, to go into effect on November 1, 2010. The legislation requires that individual and group health insurance policies that provide medical and surgical benefits shall provide the same coverage and benefits to any individual under the age of eighteen years who has been diagnosed with autism, as it would provide coverage and benefits to an individual under the age of eighteen years who has not been diagnosed with autism.
In the 2011 legislative session, H.B. 1248 and H.B. 1624 were introduced. H.B. 1248 would have created a high-risk insurance pool for people with autism spectrum disorder and H.B. 1624 required health plans to provide insurance to people with autism spectrum disorder. Insurance plans under H.B. 1624 could not institute dollar limits, deductibles, or co-pays less favorable than provisions that apply to general physical illness. H.B. 1248 was referred to the Appropriations and Budget committee and H.B. 1624 was referred to the Rules Committee. No further action was taken on either bill.
EDUCATION
Oklahoma defines autism as a developmental disability that affects communications and social interactions, usually manifested before the age of 3, which adversely affects a child’s educational performance. A diagnosis of autism is not made if the child’s educational performance is primarily affected by an emotional disturbance. To be eligible for special education services due to a diagnosis of autism, the student must undergo a comprehensive evaluation to include a student’s medical information, communication abilities, and behavioral functioning. Impairments in communication and social interactions are the primary components of an autism diagnosis and the evaluation. (Policies and Procedures for Special Education in Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Department of Education, pp. 84-85)
http://ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/SpecEd-PoliciesProcedures.pdf
Legislation
S.B. 2071 was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry on May 23, 2008, establishing a comprehensive autism training program at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Regional University System. The program will provide statewide leadership in training post-graduate and post-baccalaureate behavior therapists. The therapists will specialize in treating and providing services to children with autism. The act became effective as of November 1, 2008.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Legislation (H.B. 2027, S.B. 135) was introduced to specify certification and licensing requirements for applied behavioral analysts. The legislation also sets aside funds to the Department of Education for specialized training for direct service providers in working with children with autism spectrum disorders for the Sooner Start Program. Funds would also be set aside to provide training for providers in the Sooner SUCCESS program, and for the Department of Developmental Disabilities Services Division to establish an applied behavioral analysis treatment pilot project. S.B. 135 was signed by the governor on May 4, 2009.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Oklahoma State Legislature meets annually on the first Monday in February. The 2012 Legislative Session convened on February 6, 2012 and adjourned on May 25, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 8, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in May 2013.
http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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