2012 State Autism Profiles
SOUTH CAROLINA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 973 or 0.92% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in South Carolina have autism. In 2010-2011, 3,901 or 3.89% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in South Carolina for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
121 |
584 |
| Age 6-11 |
498 |
1,866 |
| Age 12-17 |
290 |
1,187 |
| Age 18-21 |
64 |
264 |
| Age 6-21 |
852 |
3,317 |
| Age 3-21 |
973 |
3,901 |
Source: Reported by the State of South Carolina 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 South Carolina for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
11,775 |
11,083 |
| Age 6-11 |
51,189 |
43,157 |
| Age 12-17 |
39,497 |
39,976 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,461 |
6,073 |
| Age 6-21 |
94,147 |
89,206 |
| Age 3-21 |
105,922 |
100,289 |
STATE TASK FORCE
The State ofSouth Carolinadoes not have an active autism task force at this time. In January 2010, Joint Resolution H.4341 was introduced to create the Autism Spectrum Disorder Study Committee on Early Intervention, which would study and submit findings and recommendations no later than December 1, 2011. The Senate and House passed the bill in different forms, but no further action was taken before the session ended.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In May 2007, the South Carolina General Assembly passed S.B. 20/H.B. 3468, known as “Ryan’s Law,” requiring health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder. Governor Mark Sanford vetoed the measure in June 2007. The State Senate and House promptly overturned the governor’s veto in a unanimous vote, thus enrolling the legislation into law. Effective July 1, 2008, or the renewal date of the health insurance policy after July 1, 2008, group health insurance plans and policies, including state employee health insurance plans, must provide coverage for autism spectrum disorder as prescribed by the treating medical doctor in accordance with a treatment plan. Health plans from small business employers with 50 employees or less, self-insured and individual health plans are exempted. Coverage may not be refused, denied, or terminated based on the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder must be achieved by eight years of age or younger in order to be considered eligible for benefits and coverage. Benefits and coverage are provided to eligible individuals under sixteen years old. Coverage for behavioral therapy is set at a maximum of $50,000 per year. In order for the health insurance plan to make payments on claims, the treatment plan must include information, such as a diagnosis, proposed treatment, frequency, duration, anticipated outcomes, how often the treatment plan will be updated, and the treating medical doctor’s signature. The health insurance plan may request an updated treatment plan every six months, or more frequently upon agreement of the health insurance plan and medical doctor.
MEDICAID
South Carolina Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: SC Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The waiver provides services to children ages three to ten years with pervasive developmental disorder requirement ICF/MR level of care and to children who do not qualify under Medicaid. Covered services under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Waiver include case management and early intensive behavioral intervention. Once the participating child reaches eleven, the participating child may be transitioned into the Mental Retardation/Disabilities Waiver. This waiver expires on December 31, 2014.
http://ddsn.sc.gov/consumers/medicaidwaiver/pdd/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
The South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Exceptional Children provides and coordinates training on autism.
http://ed.sc.gov/agency/ac/Exceptional-Children/
Legislation
In 2003, H.B. 4074 was proposed to create a state-funded autism training center. The purpose of the center was to provide education and training for professionals and families or guardians of an individual with autism. An advisory board would be established to advise the center’s director on policy matters. The board would be comprised of members of the public, professionals with an interest in autism, and legislators. The legislation was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Public Works. No further action was taken.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs – Autism Division
Services for individuals with autism are administered by the Autism Division of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. Services exclusive to individuals with autism include consultation for families, educators, and service providers; evaluations for eligibility determination; training for professionals and families; and treatment planning and planning for families.
http://ddsn.sc.gov/consumers/divisions/Pages/Autism.aspx
Carolina Autism Resource and Evaluation (CARE) Center
Administered by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, the Carolina Autism Resource and Evaluation (CARE) Center provides comprehensive services for individuals with autism in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning.
http://ddsn.sc.gov/providers/publications/Documents/Carolina%20Autism%20Resource%20and%20Evaluation%20Center%20%20(081811).pdf
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The South Carolina General Assembly meets on the second Tuesday in January of each year. The first regular session of the 119th General Assembly convened on January 11, 2011 and adjourned on June 29, 2011. The second regular session of the 119th General Assembly convened on January 10, 2012 and adjourned on June 7, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on January 8, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in June 2013.
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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