2012 State Autism Profiles
SOUTH DAKOTA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 262 or 1.56% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in South Dakota have autism. In 2010-2011, 757 or 4.12% 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 Dakota for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
35 |
118 |
| Age 6-11 |
137 |
332 |
| Age 12-17 |
69 |
227 |
| Age 18-21 |
21 |
80 |
| Age 6-21 |
227 |
639 |
| Age 3-21 |
262 |
757 |
Source: Reported by the State of South Dakota 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 Dakota for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
2,286 |
2,738 |
| Age 6-11 |
7,993 |
8,550 |
| Age 12-17 |
5,780 |
5,896 |
| Age 18-21 |
766 |
842 |
| Age 6-21 |
14,539 |
15,288 |
| Age 3-21 |
16,825 |
18,026 |
STATE TASK FORCE
The State of South Dakota does not have an active task force on autism at this time.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
South Dakotadoes not have a specific health insurance mandate for autism spectrum disorders at this time. South Dakota has a state mental health parity law. However, the law requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of biologically-based mental illness, which does not include autism spectrum disorders. (SD SL §58:17-98)
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
South Dakotahas defined that a student with a disability, specifically including autism, who has been determined to require or need special services is eligible for special education. Autism is identified as a disability that requires special education. If a child is suspected to have autism, a school district will refer the student to an agency that specializes in the diagnosis of autism, or will have the student evaluated by an internal multidisciplinary team. The student’s social skills, adaptive behavior, and speech/language will be evaluated.
http://doe.sd.gov/oess/documents/NCCompPla.pdf
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Family Support
Family Support is a statewide network of services for families of children with developmental disabilities, including autism. The goal of the program is to ensure that children who have developmental disabilities are able to stay home with their families. In addition to natural supports such as families and friends, the system helps families gain access to existing formalized services. Each family is also assigned a support coordinator who will help with determining which services best fit their individual needs. Finally, the program also raises money to help families afford the expenses of the different services they are utilizing.
http://dhs.sd.gov/dd/family/index.aspx
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The South Dakota State Legislature meets annually on the second Tuesday in January. The 2012 Legislative Session convened on January 10, 2012 and adjourned on March 19, 2012. The 2013 Legislative session will convene on January 8, 2013 and is expected to adjourn no later than March 25, 2013.
http://legis.state.sd.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
*This document is in the Adobe PDF format. You will need to download free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view these documents. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free by clicking on the Adobe graphic below.