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2009 State Autism Profiles
ARKANSAS
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DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 766 or 1.23% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Arkansas have autism. In 2007-2008, 2,044 or3.10% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Arkansas for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
95 |
207 |
| Age 6-11 |
488 |
997 |
| Age 12-17 |
162 |
763 |
| Age 18-21 |
21 |
77 |
| Age 6-21 |
671 |
1,837 |
| Age 3-21 |
766 |
2,044 |
Source: Reported by the State of Arkansas 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 Arkansas for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
9,376 |
11,795 |
| Age 6-11 |
24,158 |
24,311 |
| Age 12-17 |
25,959 |
26,938 |
| Age 18-21 |
2,729 |
2,921 |
| Age 6-21 |
52,846 |
54,170 |
| Age 3-21 |
62,222 |
65,965 |
Source: Reported by the State of Arkansas in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
STATE TASK FORCE
Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism
In April 2009, Governor Mike Beebe signed into law S.B. 938, creating a new statewide legislative task force on autism. Under the law, the Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism meets at least once every three months to examine the state’s response to autism spectrum disorders, determine best practices, and make recommendations pertaining to efficient treatment methods, obtaining funds for treatment, and changes to the law that will improve education and treatment for those with autism spectrum disorders. The task force is composed of legislative officials, representatives from state agencies, educators, healthcare providers, members of the public, and other professionals with an interest in autism. The Task Force will report to the General Assembly on or before August 31st of each year. This task force is similar to the previous task force on autism, which was created in 2007 and adjourned in 2008. The new Task Force has not been assigned an adjournment date.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Arkansas does not have a specific mandate for health insurance coverage for autism. In 2009, Sen. Mary Anne Salmon sponsored a bill (S.B. 913) that would require coverage at a maximum annual benefit of $50,000 for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The bill was passed in the Senate and passed to the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce. No further action was taken. Arkansas has mental health parity legislation, which requires health insurance coverage and benefits for the treatment of mental illnesses, as defined in the International Classification of Diseases and Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (Arkansas Code §23-99-501).
MEDICAID
H.B. 2282 was signed into law in 2007 authorizing the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver for intensive early intervention individualized therapy, such as behavioral therapies, speech and occupational therapies, for children ages 3 to 10 years diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder. The waiver will pay for services up to $50,000 per year (Arkansas Code §20-77-124). The Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services will apply for services when funding becomes available. In 2009, Sen. David Johnson introduced another bill (S.B. 939) that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to seek a Medicaid waiver specifically for autism spectrum disorders. The bill was passed to committee but was not acted upon.
EDUCATION
University Research
On April 8, 2009, Arkansas enacted S.B. 638, now known as Act 1100, which creates an appropriation to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for research and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
Special Education Services
Public education rules were revised, including special education services. The definition of children with disabilities in need of special education was revised under Arkansas Code §6-41-203 to clarify that a child with a disability must be evaluated as having a disability in accordance with IDEA. Additionally, special education services were expanded to specify that services may include speech-language pathology, travel training and vocational education provided that these services meet requirements.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Arkansas General Assembly meets in Regular Session for sixty days biennially. The 87th General Assembly convened January 12, 2009 and adjourned on May 1, 2009.
http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
- Sen. Mary Anne Salmon (D-North Little Rock) District 27
- Rep. David Johnson (D-Little Rock) District 38
- Rep. Ray Kidd (D-Jonesboro) District 76
Prepared by Easter Seals; September 2009.
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