2012 State Autism Profiles
TENNESSEE
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 1,088 or 0.86% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Tennessee have autism. In 2010-2011, 5,990 or 4.98% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Tennessee for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
153 |
648 |
| Age 6-11 |
575 |
2,904 |
| Age 12-17 |
280 |
2,081 |
| Age 18-21 |
80 |
357 |
| Age 6-21 |
935 |
5,342 |
| Age 3-21 |
1,088 |
5,990 |
Source: Reported by the State of Tennessee 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 Tennessee for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
10,699 |
13,096 |
| Age 6-11 |
55,756 |
52,743 |
| Age 12-17 |
53,161 |
48,079 |
| Age 18-21 |
6,247 |
6,346 |
| Age 6-21 |
115,164 |
107,167 |
| Age 3-21 |
125,863 |
120,425 |
STATE TASK FORCE
The State of Tennessee does not have an active task force on autism at this time.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Tennessee insurance code (TN Code §56-7-2367) states that any policy that provides coverage for neurological disorders are required to also provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders for children under 12 years old. Copayment requirements and benefit limits may apply, and it is illegal for an insurance company to refuse to renew or to cancel a contract because of an autism diagnosis.
Legislation was introduced in 2009 to amend Title 56, Chapter 7 (H.B. 65, H.B. 338, H.B. 2105, S.B. 218, S.B. 920, and S.B. 1789) by replacing it with new language defining autism spectrum disorders and behavioral therapies as therapies derived from evidence-based research, including applied behavioral analysis. In order to be eligible for coverage, individuals must be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders by age 8 or younger, and coverage would be provided to eligible individuals under the age of sixteen years. Coverage for behavioral therapy would be subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 per year. H.B. 2105 and S.B. 1789 stipulated coverage for behavioral therapy would be subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 per year for eligible individuals up to age 9, and $25,000 per year for eligible individuals between 9 and 16 years. Other legislation was introduced to amend Title 56 (H.B. 1461, S.B. 1660) by replacing it with new language. Under this legislation, health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment, including evidence-based therapies, of autism spectrum disorders would be provided to individuals under 21 years old. Coverage would be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year. None of the bills were passed into law.
EDUCATION
Tennesseedefines autism as a developmental disability that severely affects communications and social interactions, generally evident before the age of three. For a child to be diagnosed as having autism and, therefore, be eligible to receive special education services, a child needs to undergo an evaluation. Included in the evaluation are a parental interview, observations and evaluations, a physical and neurological medical history, and an assessment of the child’s education needs. Included in the evaluation are the student’s parents, the student’s general education teacher, a special education teacher, a psychologist, a physician, and a speech therapist.
http://tennessee.gov/education/speced/doc/92707Autism.pdf
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Tennessee General Assembly meets annually beginning the second Tuesday in January. Each session meets for a total of 90 days over a period of two years. The second session of the 107th General Assembly convened January 10, 2012 and adjourned on May 1, 2012. The 2013 session is expected to convene on January 8, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in May 2013.
http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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