AUTISM BLOG RECENT POSTS

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2009 State Autism Profiles
ALABAMA

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DEMOGRAPHICS

In 2000, 849 or 0.85% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Alabama have autism.  In 2007-2008, 2,737 or 3.23% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.

Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Alabama for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)

	Child Count in 1999-2000	Child Count in 2007-2008
Age 3-5	84	228
Age 6-11	479	1,369
Age 12-17	248	996
Age 18-21	38	144
Age 6-21	765	2,509
Age 3-21	849	2,737

Source: Reported by the State of Alabama 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 Alabama for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)

	Child Count in 1999-2000	Child Count in 2007-2008
Age 3-5	7,554	7,111
Age 6-11	43,047	33,539
Age 12-17	44,068	38,936
Age 18-21	5,159	5,186
Age 6-21	92,274	77,661
Age 3-21	99,828	84,772

Source: Reported by the State of Alabama in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs

STATE TASK FORCE

Alabama Autism Task Force
In March 2007, Governor Bob R. Riley, Jr. signed HJR 23 to create a statewide task force in autism.  The Alabama Autism Task Force met for one year to examine the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autism and report to the legislature of findings and recommendations.  The task force was composed of 25 members, including legislators and representatives from state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and professionals with an interest in autism. HJR 12 was signed by Gov. Riley on April 8, 2008 extending the reporting date for the task force to the third day of the 2009 Legislative Session. Rep. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) served as the chair.
http://www.camward.com/AutismTaskForce.htm

Alabama Interagency Council on Autism
In 2009, Governor Bob R. Riley, Jr. signed HB 41, creating the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council to discuss policy questions pertaining to autism and to make recommendations. The council will consist of one lead agency and representatives from other participating agencies in the fields of healthcare, research, education, and lawmaking. Each year the council will develop a long-term plan for a comprehensive statewide system of care to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE

Alabama currently does not offer health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autism. H.B. 677 was signed into law in 2000 providing equitable health insurance coverage for mental illnesses as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, including autism spectrum disorders. Under the law, group health benefits plans must provide coverage for the treatment and diagnosis of mental illnesses as with medical illnesses (Alabama Code §27-54-1).

OTHER STATE ACTIVITY

In 2009, the governor also signed HB 615, creating a system of non-residential autism centers that will provide resource and training services for persons of all ages with autism or not otherwise specified pervasive developmental disorders. Each center will work with a constituency board whose members will be chosen by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and will number no less than six. Each board member must either have a developmental disability or be a family member of someone who does. Each board will meet quarterly with the staff of its respective autism center to provide advice on policies, priorities, and activities. Each center will provide individual and direct family assistance, technical assistance and consultation services, professional training programs and public education programs.

EDUCATION

H.B. 227 was introduced January 15, 2008 to create a scholarship program for students with autism. Under the legislation, students with autism would be provided the option to attend a school other than one in the resident school district. The Alabama Department of Education will review the individualized education program to determine the amount of the scholarship. The maximum amount of the scholarship is the equivalent amount that for educational services the student would have received by attending a school in the resident school district. The legislation was referred to the House Education and Appropriations Committee on February 5, 2008.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Alabama Autism Conference
The Alabama Autism Conference provides professionals with an interest in autism information on the latest in autism research. The conference is focused on professionals who provide services to individuals with autism and researchers. The 8th Annual Alabama Autism Conference was held on February 26-27, 2009 at the University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa.
http://autism.ua.edu/index.html

STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

The Alabama Legislature meets in Regular Session on the second Tuesday in January for sixty days or on a day prescribed by law.  The 2009 Regular Session convened on February 3, 2009 and adjourned on May 15, 2009.
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/index.html

SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION

Prepared by Easter Seals; September 2009.

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