2012 State Autism Profiles
VERMONT
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 218 or 1.60% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Vermont had autism. In 2010-2011, 852 or 6.11% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Vermont for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
7 |
70 |
| Age 6-11 |
116 |
366 |
| Age 12-17 |
75 |
335 |
| Age 18-21 |
20 |
81 |
| Age 6-21 |
211 |
782 |
| Age 3-21 |
218 |
852 |
Source: Reported by the State of Vermont 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 Vermont for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
1,237 |
1,762 |
| Age 6-11 |
5,250 |
5,218 |
| Age 12-17 |
6,435 |
6,166 |
| Age 18-21 |
701 |
790 |
| Age 6-21 |
12,386 |
12,174 |
| Age 3-21 |
13,623 |
13,936 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Vermont Autism Planning Committee
In May 2007, S.B. 121 was signed into law, creating an autism planning committee within the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, Division of Disability and Aging Services. The legislation calls for the development of a comprehensive autism initiative to improve the services provided to individuals with autism. The Vermont Agency of Human Service is the lead agency with an interagency cooperation agreement with Vermont Department of Education. The initiative should be implemented by 2012. Additionally, the legislation establishes an advisory council of seven members, appointed by the governor, to oversee the development and planning of the initiative. The council submitted a report describing the progress of the initiative in January 2008.
http://ddas.vermont.gov/ddas-boards/autism-boards-committees/vt-autism-planning-committees-documents/autism-legislative-report
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On May 27, 2010, the autism insurance reform bill, S.262 was signed into law. This bill was first introduced by Senators Carris and Campbell on January 5, 2010. S.262 requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of ASD for children from 18 months to 6 years old. This bill also requires a study of autism insurance reform for children with ASD that are over the age of six. Health insurance companies are required to provide coverage for habilitative or rehabilitative, pharmacy, psychiatric, psychological, and therapeutic care.
In May 2012, Governor Shumlin signed an expansion of autism insurance legislation into law. S. 223 extended autism insurance coverage to individuals from birth until age 21, whereas previous legislation covered individuals from 18 months to six years old.
MEDICAID
During the 2011 session, H.355 was introduced to expand Medicaid coverage for people with autism spectrum disorder ages 6 to 22. The bill required that the state provide coverage through Medicaid for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. It required co-pays and deductibles to be equal to or less than co-pays and deductibles for treatments of other physical or mental health conditions. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health Care. No further action was taken.
EDUCATION
Legislation (S.274) was introduced in January 2008 for the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department of Education, and Department of Labor to create pilot regional autism centers to centralize services provided to individuals with autism. Services include working with schools developing programs and services to support students with autism; developing and coordinating transitional services for students with autism as they move into the community after school; and collaborating with public-private partnerships to coordinate community-based services for individuals with autism, ages 23 years or older. The legislation was referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. No further action was taken.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Vermont Legislature meets in Regular Session biennially on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. The 2012 Regular Session convened on January 3, 2012 and adjourned on May 5, 2012. The 2013 Regular Session will convene on January 9, 2013 and anticipates adjournment in May 2013.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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