2012 State Autism Profiles
PENNSYLVANIA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 12,323 or 1.66% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Pennsylvania have autism. In 2010-2011, 21,083 or 7.14% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Pennsylvania for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
613 |
3,110 |
| Age 6-11 |
2,318 |
10,099 |
| Age 12-17 |
943 |
6,760 |
| Age 18-21 |
165 |
1,114 |
| Age 6-21 |
3,426 |
17,973 |
| Age 3-21 |
4,039 |
21,083 |
Source: Reported by the State of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
21,477 |
31,072 |
| Age 6-11 |
102,040 |
111,694 |
| Age 12-17 |
106,510 |
134,002 |
| Age 18-21 |
12,628 |
18,312 |
| Age 6-21 |
221,178 |
264,008 |
| Age 3-21 |
242,655 |
95,080 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Pennsylvania Autism Task Force
The Department of Public Welfare established the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force in 2003 to address the growing needs of individuals with autism. The Task Force was composed of twelve subcommittees and over 250 individuals, including family members of individuals with autism, service providers, educators, and researchers. Estelle Richman was the Executive Chair and Founder and State Rep. Dennis O’Brien (R-Philadelphia) served as the Honorary Chair. The Administering Co-Chairs were David Mandell, ScD; Nancy Minshew, MD; and Nina Wall-Cote, MSS, LSW, who now heads the Bureau of Autism Services. The Task Force completed a Final Report in December 2004, which outlined a new plan for improving service delivery to individuals with autism.
http://www.kidstogether.org/autismtaskforce.htm
Bureau of Autism Services
Formed in 2007 as proposed by the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force, the Bureau of Autism Services was established within the Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Developmental Programs to focus on the challenges and needs of individuals with autism.
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/dpworganization/officeofdevelopmentalprograms/bureauofautismservices/index.htm
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Sen. Jane Orie (R-Pittsburgh) and Speaker of the House Dennis O’Brien (R-Philadelphia) introduced legislation (S.B. 605 and H.B. 1150) requiring health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autism under the age of 21 up to $36,000 per year with no limitations on the number of visits to qualified autism service providers who meet established standards. Covered services include psychiatric care, psychological care, rehabilitative care, therapeutic care, pharmacy care, and any other types of care, treatment, intervention, or service deemed medically necessary. H.B. 1150 passed, and S.B. 550, introduced by Sen. Don White (R-Indiana), was amended by the House Insurance Committee and replaced with S.B. 605. S.B. 550 and H.B. 1150 were referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, who requested an independent review by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council to determine the benefits of including autism coverage in health insurance policies. The study concluded that including coverage for autism spectrum disorders would raise premiums by one percent. The bill was re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee with amendments on June 26, 2008, where a compromise was reached. H.B. 1150 passed both chambers on July 3, 2008 and was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell on July 9, 2008.
MEDICAID
Pennsylvania Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: Adult Autism
This waiver, implemented on July 1, 2011, provides day habilitation, residential habilitation, respite, supported employment, supports coordination, therapies, assistive technology, behavioral specialist services, community inclusion, community transition services, environmental modifications, family counseling, family training, job assessment/finding services, nutritional consultation, temporary crisis services, and transitional work services for individuals ages 21 and older with autism. This waiver expires on June 30, 2016.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
A certified school psychologist must be included when evaluating a child for autism and other types of disabilities (22 Pa. Code §14.123, §14.124). Section 14.132 includes autism or other pervasive developmental disorders as a factor when determining whether a student is eligible for an extended school year at the student’s individualized education program (IEP) meeting (22 Pa. Code §14.132).
Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) Autism Task Force Workgroup
Based on the findings of the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force for special education, the SEAP Autism Task Force Workgroup prepared a final report providing immediate and long term plans and recommendations on the services and support for students with autism.
http://www.iser.com/state-gov/special-needs-PA.html
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Progress through Partnership National Autism Conference
The Progress through Partnership National Autism Conference is hosted annually by the Bureau of Special Education and Pennsylvania State University for parents, educators, and professionals interested in autism. The 2012 National Autism Conference was held July 29th – August 2nd at the Penn State Conference Center Hotel in State College, Pennsylvania.
http://www.outreach.psu.edu/programs/Autism/
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP)
As of April 1, 2009, the Bureau of Autism Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare began accepting applications for its Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP). Services are provided to individuals with autism who are 21 years old or older and live in Dauphin,Lancaster, orCumberlandCounties. The Bureau hopes to expand the program in the future.
http://www.keystonehumanservices.org/keystone-autism-services/adult-community-autism-program/default.php
Autism Mini-Grant Program
Through its mini-grant program, the Bureau of Autism Services provides up to $500 each to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder or to families with an individual with autism spectrum disorder who are not able to access existing services. In 2009, the Bureau awarded 2,472 grants totaling approximately $953,000 to families and individuals living with autism for respite care, community inclusion, summer programs and home safety modifications.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The General Assembly meets at noon the first Tuesday of the year and regularly throughout the year. The 2011 Legislative Session convened on January 4, 2011 and is expected to adjourn November 30, 2011. The 2012 Legislative Session convened on January 3, 2012 and anticipates adjournment on November 30, 2012. The 2013 session is expected to convene on January 1, 2013 and anticipates adjournment in November 2013.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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