2012 State Autism Profiles
WISCONSIN
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 2,130 or 1.70% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Wisconsin have autism. In 2010-2011, 8,255 or 6.62% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services in Wisconsin have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Wisconsin for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| 1999-2000 | 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
306 |
713 |
| Age 6-11 |
1,206 |
3,866 |
| Age 12-17 |
525 |
3,170 |
| Age 18-21 |
93 |
506 |
| Age 6-21 |
1,824 |
7,542 |
| Age 3-21 |
2,130 |
8,255 |
Source: Reported by the State of Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
14,383 |
16,079 |
| Age 6-11 |
50,969 |
50,246 |
| Age 12-17 |
53,812 |
52,330 |
| Age 18-21 |
6,194 |
6,067 |
| Age 6-21 |
110,975 |
108,643 |
| Age 3-21 |
125,358 |
124,722 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Governor’s Task Force on Autism
In 2004, Governor Jim Doyle convened a Task Force on Autism to respond to the needs of parents of children with autism. The task force was composed of ten members appointed by the governor and representatives of various state agencies involved with the regulation and administration of services for individuals with autism. Karen Timberlake served as the chair of the task force. The task force met from May 2004 through September 2004, and at its conclusion prepared a final report which identified issues with the current system and support services for individuals with autism and proposed recommendations for improvements.
http://autismcouncil.wisconsin.gov/taskforce/finalrep.pdf
Autism Advisory Council
In 2005, Governor Doyle established an Autism Advisory Council to advise the Department of Health and Family Services in developing a statewide support system for individuals with autism and addressing key issues outlined in the Task Force on Autism’s final report. The Autism Advisory Council is comprised of 13 members appointed by the governor, who indicated that a majority should be parents of children with autism. Other members are public members, providers, local government officials, or professionals with an interest in autism.
http://www.autismcouncil.wisconsin.gov/index.htm
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On June 29, 2009, Governor Jim Doyle signed S.B. 3 into law, requiring individual and group health insurance policies and plans, state health care plans, and self-insured plans to provide health insurance coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Treatment must be provided by a psychiatrist, a person practicing psychology, a social worker licensed or certified to practice psychotherapy, a paraprofessional working under the supervision of a provider, or a professional working under the supervision of an outpatient mental health clinic. The legislation does not apply to long-term care, Medicare replacement, or supplement policies. It requires a minimum of $50,000 in coverage annually for intensive services and $25,000 annually for non-intensive services.
MEDICAID
Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver
The Children’s Long-Term Support (CTLS) Home and Community-Based Waivers provides an autism benefit for intensive in-home treatment services. The CTLS waiver provides services to children from birth to 21 years of age. Services includes support and service coordination, support home care, respite care, day habilitation, supported employment, home modifications, transportation, adaptive aids, communication aids, specialized medical equipment and supplies, personalized emergency response system, foster care, consumer education and training, consumer and family-directed supports, counseling and therapeutic services, daily living skills, financial management, and in-home autism treatment to children with mental retardation/developmental disabilities.
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/children/clts/
County Contacts for Autism Services under the Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/children/clts/waiver/family/autism/county.htm
Funding for Treatment in Wisconsin
Wisconsin currently offers funding for in home autism treatment through a waiver system. Children under the age of eight with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder who demonstrate a medical need may be eligible to receive up to three years of funding for intensive autism treatment. Children older than eight may be eligible for reduced funding for a variety of services.
The waiver is offered state-wide and is administered by individual counties. County case managers work directly with families to complete the waiver application process. Some counties have chosen not to administer the waiver, and in these counties, the state has contracted with private agencies to assist families interested in securing funding.
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/P2/p20217.pdf
EDUCATION
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction convened an ad hoc committee in 2004 to advise the department on the future direction of students with autism. The committee conducted a statewide survey of autism. The department has used the results for programming and planning purposes for the education of students with autism.
http://dpi.state.wi.us/sped/autism.html
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Wisconsin Legislature is sworn into office in January of each odd-numbered year and meets in continuous session for a period of two years or “biennium.” The 2011-2012 Legislature convened on January 11, 2011 and is expected to adjourn on June 13, 2012. The 2013-2014 Legislature will convene on January 9, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in June 2014.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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