2012 State Autism Profile
PUERTO RICO
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 620 or 0.95% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Puerto Rico have autism. In 2010-2011, 2,317 or 1.83% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Puerto Rico for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
147 |
341 |
| Age 6-11 |
264 |
1,247 |
| Age 12-17 |
162 |
618 |
| Age 18-21 |
47 |
111 |
| Age 6-21 |
473 |
1,976 |
| Age 3-21 |
620 |
2,317 |
Source: Reported by Puerto Rico in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Programs
Table 1-2: IDEA Part B - Children with Disabilities in Puerto Rico for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
7,746 |
13,952 |
| Age 6-11 |
29,460 |
51,017 |
| Age 12-17 |
25,093 |
52,853 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,205 |
8,738 |
| Age 6-21 |
57,758 |
112,608 |
| Age 3-21 |
65,504 |
126,560 |
Source: Reported by Puerto Rico in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Programs
STATE TASK FORCE
Centro de Ayuda para Niños que Padecen de la Condición de Autismo
In April 2007, legislation (R C.6548) was introduced to request the Commission of the Development of the Central Region of the House of Representatives to initiate a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility to establish a “Centro de Ayuda para Niños que Padecen de la Condición de Autismo” (which is translated as a Center of Aid for the Children who Suffer with the Condition of Autism). On June 18, 2008, the legislation was referred to the Informe de la Región Central, de Salud (Joint Report of the Central Region and of Health). No further action was taken.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Puerto Ricodoes not have a specific health insurance mandate on autism spectrum disorders at this time. P.R. S.622 was introduced in 2009 to prohibit exclusion of coverage for autism in health insurance plans. The legislation has undergone several changes eventually becoming P.C. 2278. The legislation has not passed.
http://www.alianzaautismo.blogspot.com/2012/06/carta-modelo-para-senadores.html
EDUCATION
Puerto Rico provides special education services to children with disabilities, including children with autism. More information may be found by visiting the Puerto Rico Department of Education, Special Education website (in Spanish).
http://de.gobierno.pr/tags/educacion-especial
Legislation
S.B. 614 established the "Autism Training Program" at the Department of Education (DE) and was approved on August 19, 2010. S.B. 614 is intended for teachers in the public system to have essential information about the condition of autism, its characteristics, and treatments so that they are trained to identify early symptoms in students and provide them services including medical and educational needs.
OTHER RESOURCES
Puerto Rico Autism Center
In April 2012, the Puerto Rico Autism Center opened on the grounds of the Medical Center in Rio Piedras. This center will treat children with autism from the metro area. Additionally, doctors and staff will be available to pediatricians from around the island in order to answer any questions they have regarding their patients with autism.
http://www.prdailysun.com/index.php?page=news.article&id=1333449358
International Autism Congress in Puerto Rico
In February 2010, the first International Autism Congress was held in Puerto Rico by Curando el Autismo (CEA), pertaining to ABA-Biomed. Most recently, the CEA held a conference in Puerto Rico in July of 2012. It was called, “Hablando con CEA: ‘No es Autismo.’”
http://curandoelautismo.com/
Proyecto de Autismo Infantil – Universidad de Puerto Rico, Instituto Filius
Filius, a part of the University of Puerto Rico, is an institute that provides multi-disciplinary, collaborative research regarding people with disabilities. It is a social organization that tends to policy needs analysis, research, and training for people with disabilities. The “Proyecto de Autismo Infantil” is an ongoing project. Their diagnostic clinic also does referrals for autism assessments.
http://www.institutofilius.com/index.html
http://www.institutofilius.com/spanish_pages/pdf/referido_05_2012.pdf
http://www.oppi.gobierno.pr/autismo.htm
LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The 2012 legislative session convened on January 10, 2012 and adjourned on June 30, 2012. The 2013 session will convene in January 2013 and is expected to adjourn in June 2013.
http://www.oslpr.org/english/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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