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2009 State Autism Profiles
ARIZONA
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DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 1,213 or 1.26% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Arizona have autism. In 2007-2008, 5,252 or 4.01% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Arizona for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
94 |
368 |
| Age 6-11 |
731 |
2,915 |
| Age 12-17 |
316 |
1,696 |
| Age 18-21 |
72 |
273 |
| Age 6-21 |
1,119 |
4,884 |
| Age 3-21 |
1,213 |
5,252 |
Source: Reported by the State of Arizona 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 Arizona for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
9,144 |
14,097 |
| Age 6-11 |
43,369 |
57,025 |
| Age 12-17 |
39,936 |
54,172 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,993 |
5,842 |
| Age 6-21 |
87,298 |
117,039 |
| Age 3-21 |
96,442 |
131,136 |
Source: Reported by the State of Arizona in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
STATE TASK FORCE
At this time, the State of Arizona does not have an active task force on autism. The original language of H.B. 2847, as introduced by Rep. Konopnicki (R-Safford), included the establishment of a task force to study health insurance coverage for individuals. However, the House Finance Committee passed a “strike everything” amendment to mirror H.B. 2847 with S.B. 1263. The section on the autism task force was not included in the engrossed bill. (Refer to section on State Insurance Coverage)
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Sen. Amanda Aguirre (D-Yuma) introduced S.B. 1263, Steven’s Law, which requires group health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. S.B. 1263 was amended onto H.B. 2847, legislation sponsored by Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R-Safford), as a compromise between the health insurance industry and lawmakers. Additionally, an agreement was reached for a moratorium until 2011 on any further insurance coverage requirements pertaining to autism. S.B. 1263/H.B. 2847 passed and was signed into law by Gov. Janet Napolitano in March 2008. The law prohibits health service or medical service corporations from excluding or denying coverage for the diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and services, for autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the law explicitly prohibits the exclusion or denial of coverage for medically necessary behavioral therapy, including applied behavior analysis, from or under the supervision of a licensed or certified provider. The law exempts small business or individual health insurance policies and services rendered outside of the state. Behavioral therapy is covered for an eligible individual at a maximum of $50,000 per year up to the age of 9 years old and at a maximum of $25,000 per year for an eligible individual between the ages of 9-16.
EDUCATION
In January 2008, H.B. 2278 was introduced to align the age requirements for special education services. H.B. 2278 added an exception that allows students receiving special education services who turn 22 years of age to continue receiving special education services through the end of that school year. The legislation passed the House Education Committee and was referred to the Rules Committee.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Arizona Scholarship for Pupils with Disabilities
Since 2006, the Arizona Scholarship for Pupils with Disabilities provides scholarships to qualifying students with disabilities to attend a qualified public school in another school district or to attend a private school. Parents interested in applying for a scholarship for their child exercise their parental option to place their child in a qualified school. Scholarships are awarded on a “first come, first served” basis. The maximum scholarship awarded is equivalent to the amount allotted for the student in the resident school district. Approximately, $2.5 million has been appropriated for the scholarship program. The program is slated to terminate in 2016.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Arizona State Legislature meets in Regular Session annually on the second Monday in January. The 2008 legislature convened on January 14, 2008 and adjourned on April 19, 2008.
http://www.azleg.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
- Sen. Carolyn S. Allen (R-Scottsdale) District 8
- Sen. Amanda Aguirre (D-Yuma) District 16
- Sen. Timothy S. Bee (R-Tucson) District 30
- Rep. Tom Boone (R-Peoria) District 4
- Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R-Safford) District 5
- Rep. David M. Lujan (D-Phoenix) District 15
Prepared by Easter Seals; February 2009.
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