2012 State Autism Profiles
TEXAS
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 7,131 or 1.45% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Texas have autism. In 2010-2011, 32,897 or 7.44% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Texas for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
1,108 |
3,419 |
| Age 6-11 |
3,876 |
16,563 |
| Age 12-17 |
1,778 |
11,002 |
| Age 18-21 |
369 |
1,913 |
| Age 6-21 |
6,023 |
29,478 |
| Age 3-21 |
7,131 |
32,897 |
Source: Reported by the State of Texas 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 Texas for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
36,442 |
41,494 |
| Age 6-11 |
210,873 |
169,097 |
| Age 12-17 |
223,824 |
202,486 |
| Age 18-21 |
20,503 |
28,942 |
| Age 6-21 |
455,200 |
400,525 |
| Age 3-21 |
491,642 |
442,019 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
The Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders is composed of seven public members appointed by the governor and representatives from key state agencies involved with the regulation and administration of services for individuals with autism. The Council issues an annual report every two years to identify and address the needs of individuals with autism. Past recommendations have included a recommendation that the Department of Aging and Disability Services establish a Medicaid waiver to provide in-home support, independent living with support, or group options for adults with autism. The most recent report is the 2011 Annual Report.
http://www.dads.state.tx.us/autism/
http://www.dads.state.tx.us/autism/publications/2011annualreport.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Texas provides health insurance coverage for all generally recognized autism services prescribed in the treatment plan by the primary care physician. Originally covering only enrollees older than 2 and less than 6 years of age, the legislation was amended in H.B. 451, and signed by the governor on June 19, 2009, to expand coverage to enrollees diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders who are older than 2 years and less than 18 years of age. (Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1355.015). Generally recognized services may include the following:
In the 2011 Legislative session, H.B. 1321, H.B. 1744, H.B. 3557, S.B. 440 and S.B. 441 were introduced to amend the provision of the law requiring health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The amendments included a change in the mandatory age to receive health care and a change in the language surrounding development of treatment plans. H.B. 1321 and H.B. 3557 were referred to the Committee on Insurance. H.B. 1744 was referred to the Committee on Calendars. S.B. 440 and S.B. 441 were referred to the Committee on State Affairs. No further action was taken on any of the bills.
EDUCATION
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) works with its 20 Regional Education Service Centers (ESC) on statewide leadership functions and projects. TEA established a Statewide Leadership Function for Autism with the Region 13 ESC in 2008
http://www.txautism.net/
Regional Education Service Centers Autism Contacts
http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp
Legislation
Section 89.1055(e) was amended to include an “Autism Supplement” that clarified existing considerations in the individualized education program (IEP) for students with autism spectrum disorders and added new considerations in the IEP. The eleven strategies are optional unless required in the IEP by the admission, review, and dismissal committee (19 T.A.C. Section 89.1055(e)).
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter089/ch089aa.html#89.1055
In 2009, S.B. 1302 was introduced to establish the Autism Services Accessibility Program, which would allow students ages 3 to 10 with autism spectrum disorders to attend the public school of their choosing. State aid would be transferred accordingly. The bill was last referred to the Senate Education Committee. No further action was taken.
S.B. 2204 was also introduced in 2009 to create the Autism Interdisciplinary Enhancement Program, which would allow students with autism spectrum disorder to use state funds for services offered through a qualifying community provider. The funds would not surpass the amount that would be entitled to the student’s public school for the student. The bill was left pending in the Senate Education Committee. No further action was taken.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Texas State Conference on Autism
The Texas Education Agency, in conjunction with the Region 2 ESC, sponsors an annual statewide conference to provide resources and information to parents, educators, and other professionals working with individuals with autism. The 21st Annual Texas Autism Conference took place in Austin, Texas on October 11-13, 2012.
http://autism.esc2.net/conference/index.asp
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Autism Spectrum Disorders Resource Center and Pilot Program Study
On May 27, 2009, the governor signed H.B. 1547, requiring the Health and Human Services Commission to establish and administer an autism spectrum disorders resource center. The center will collect and distribute information and research, conduct training and development for those working with individuals with autism, coordinate with autism service providers, and provide support for families affected by autism and other developmental disorders. The legislation also states that the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall conduct a study to evaluate the costs and benefits of a pilot program that will provide services to adults with autism. The report on the findings of this study was submitted to lawmakers on August 23, 2010. The act went into effect on September 1, 2009.
http://www.dads.state.tx.us/autism/publications/HB1574Report.pdf
Texas Legislature Approves Pilot Program for Autism
The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) selected four providers, including Easter Seals of North Texas, to provide autism related services to children 3-8 years of age.
http://www.dars.state.tx.us/announcements/20080307.shtml
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Texas Legislature meets in Regular Session for approximately five months every other year. The 82nd Regular Session convened on January 11, 2011 and adjourned May 30, 2011. The 83rd Regular Session will convene on January 8, 2013 and will adjourn on May 27, 2013.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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