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2009 State Autism Profiles
CALIFORNIA
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DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 13,979 or 2.17% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in California have autism. In 2007-2008, 46,069 or 6.87% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in California for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
3,422 |
9,741 |
| Age 6-11 |
7,467 |
21,126 |
| Age 12-17 |
2,528 |
13,242 |
| Age 18-21 |
562 |
1,960 |
| Age 6-21 |
10,557 |
36,328 |
| Age 3-21 |
13,979 |
46,069 |
Source: Reported by the State of California 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 California for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
57,651 |
68,002 |
| Age 6-11 |
290,935 |
273,987 |
| Age 12-17 |
272.010 |
298,052 |
| Age 18-21 |
24,691 |
30,863 |
| Age 6-21 |
587,636 |
602,902 |
| Age 3-21 |
645,287 |
670,904 |
Source: Reported by the State of California in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
STATE TASK FORCE
California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism
Under SCR 51, the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism was established in 2005 for a period of two years to evaluate the issues with the current programs and services for individuals with autism and provide recommendations for improvements. The commission was comprised of sixteen members appointed by the Senate Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House. Sen. Darrell Steinberg served as the chair, and Dr. Barbara Firestone served as the vice-chair. A final report was prepared in November 2007, and SCR 55 was introduced and signed into law September 2007 granting the commission an extension through November 2008.
http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/index.html
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
In September 1999, California signed into law the “Mental Health Parity Bill,” which requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment for serious mental illnesses, including pervasive developmental disorders or autism, for individuals of any age and serious emotional disturbances of a child under the same terms and conditions as a medical condition. Covered services include outpatient, inpatient hospital services, partial hospital services, and prescription drugs (if included in the policy). In February 2008, Senators Perata and Steinberg introduced S.B. 1563 allowing the Department of Managed Health Care, in conjunction with the Department of Insurance, to review the standards and guidelines of the Department of Developmental Services and provide recommendations to ensure that health care services and health plans provide appropriate and equitable coverage for pervasive developmental disorders or autism. S.B. 1563 passed the Senate in August 2008 with a 39 to 1 vote and was sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzengger for enrollment. The measure was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on September 27, 2008.
EDUCATION
Superintendent’s Autism Advisory Committee (SAAC)
AB 2513 was signed into law in September 2006 authorizing the California Department of Education to create the Superintendent’s Autism Advisory Committee to provide recommendations for improving the educational system for students with autism. SAAC is comprised of 21 members, including parents, educators and school administrators, health care providers, and other professionals with an interest in autism. SAAC met for one year and prepared a final report in November 2007. The report identified four major challenges: lack of coherent, universally accepted and effective educational practices; lack of knowledge and training; shortage of personnel trained to provide evidence-based interventions, and inadequate funding for resources for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders. The advisory committee indicated the challenges could be overcome if the proposed recommendations can be put into place.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/saac.asp
Legislation
A.B. 2302 was introduced to authorize a local education agency to assign a teacher with a level 1 education specialist credential to teach students with mild and moderate disabilities, as an instructor to students with autism. The legislation was enrolled on June 20, 2008 and sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for signature. Gov. Schwarzenegger signed A.B. 2302 into law on June 30, 2008. A.B. 1872 was introduced to create a California Autism Spectrum Disorder Clearinghouse to provide information and evidence-based information and practices on the education of students with autism. The legislation was enrolled and sent to Gov. Schwarzenegger, who vetoed the measure on September 28, 2008.
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Department of Developmental Disabilities Autism Initiative
The California Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) created the Autism Initiative in 1997 to address and respond to the needs of the growing number of individuals with autism. The Autism Initiative identifies best practices, policy, information, and partnerships with public and private organizations for research. In 2001, a Director’s Advisory Committee on Autism was created to advise DDS on identifying ways to develop effective procedures on evaluation and assessment.
http://www.dds.ca.gov/Autism/Home.cfm
Screening
S.B. 383 was introduced on February 26, 2009 to require the Department of Developmental Services to provide recommendations for the development of a screening program for autism in infants and a rescreening at two years. The legislation was sent to the Committee on Rules for assignment.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The California Legislature meets in Regular Session the first Monday in December in even year and adjourns on November 30th at midnight of the following even year. The 2009 legislative session convened December 12, 2008 and is expected to adjourn September 14, 2009.
http://www.legislature.ca.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
- Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) District 6
- Sen. Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch) District 7
- Sen. Don Perata (D-Oakland) District 9
- Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Canada) District 21
- Sen. Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) District 22
- Sen. Dick Ackerman (R-Tustin) District 33
- Sen. Louis Correa (D-Santa Ana) District 34
- Rep. Joe Coto (D-San Jose) District 23
- Rep. Mike Feuer (D-West Hollywood) District 42
- Rep. Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles) District 46
- Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) District 47
Prepared by Easter Seals; February 2009.
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