|
|
2009 State Autism Profiles
CONNECTICUT
Download a PDF* of this page
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 1,377 or 1.86% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Connecticut have autism. In 2007-2008, 4,387 or 6.36% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Connecticut for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
152 |
587 |
| Age 6-11 |
800 |
2,143 |
| Age 12-17 |
367 |
1,411 |
| Age 18-21 |
58 |
246 |
| Age 6-21 |
1,225 |
3,800 |
| Age 3-21 |
1,377 |
4,387 |
Source: Reported by the State of Connecticut 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 Connecticut for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008
(Child Count by Age Group)
|
Child Count in 1999-2000 |
Child Count in 2007-2008 |
| Age 3-5 |
7,172 |
7,660 |
| Age 6-11 |
29,734 |
26,543 |
| Age 12-17 |
33,583 |
31,386 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,397 |
3,398 |
| Age 6-21 |
66,714 |
61,327 |
| Age 3-21 |
73,886 |
68,987 |
Source: Reported by the State of Connecticut in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
STATE TASK FORCE
Connecticut Task Force on the Issues for the Education of Children with Autism
In 1996, the Connecticut Department of Education convened a task force on the educational needs of children with autism. Based upon its findings, the task force prepared a “Report of the Connecticut Task Force on the Issues for the Education of Children with Autism,” which was revised in 1998. In 2005, the report was updated and re-titled to “Guidelines for the Identification and Education of Children and Youth with Autism.” Known as the guidelines, the 2005 revision serves as a best practices guide to educating children with autism.
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Guidelines_Autism.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On June 5, 2008, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed into law H.B. 5696 into law a health insurance mandate for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Under the law, effective January 1, 2009, individual and group health insurance policies that provide coverage for basic hospital expenses, basic and major medical-surgical expenses, and hospital or medical coverage shall also provider coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Treatment covered includes physical, occupational, and speech. (PL 08-132) Legislation (H.B. 5690, H.B. 5983, H.B. 6240, S.B. 107, S.B. 301) was introduced to require the coverage of medications and specific therapies for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, such as applied behavioral analysis and relationship development intervention. H.B. 5690 was referred to the Joint Committee on Children on January 23, 2009. H.B. 5983 and S.B. 107 were referred to the Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate on January 26 and January 16, 2009 respectively. A public hearing was scheduled on February 5, 2009 for S.B. 301 and on February 10, 2009 for H.B. 6240.
EDUCATION
H.B. 5590 was signed into law by Gov. M. Jodi Rell on June 5, 2008 to develop recommendations for a new state plan for instructors of students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Aspects that will be covered include characteristics of students with autism, curriculum, assistive technology, educational practices. Recommendations will be reported to the general assembly by February 1, 2009. (Special Act No. 08-5)
Connecticut Task Force on the Issues for the Education of Children with Autism
Refer to the previous section, “State Task Force.”
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
Pilot Program for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
While Connecticut does not have a specific home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver for autism, the Department of Developmental Services offers a pilot program to provide services to adults with autism spectrum disorders. In May 2008, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed into law H.B. 5666, authorizing an expansion of the pilot program for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The program provides case management services, other supports and services to adults with autism spectrum disorders who are not eligible for other types of services offered by the Department of Developmental Services and do not have mental retardation. Additionally, the program was granted an extension and now terminates on June 30, 2009. (PL 08-63)
http://www.ct.gov/dds/cwp/view.asp?a=2730&q=326536
Autism Study
S.B. 230 was introduced on January 21, 2009 requesting a study of the increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorders in Connecticut. The legislation was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health on January 21, 2009.
Employment
S.B. 360 was introduced on January 22, 2009 to grant a tax credit of $1,500 for employers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders who have received state-education or state-funded training. The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees on February 4, 2009.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Connecticut General Assembly meets annually on the Wednesday after the first Monday in January. The 2009 Legislative Session convened on January 7 is expected to adjourn on June 3.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
- Sen. Martin M. Mooney (D-New Haven) District 11
- Sen. Antonietta Boucher (R-Wilton) District 26
- Rep. Demetrios S. Giannaros (D-Farmington) District 21
- Rep. Catherine Abercrombie (D-Meriden) District 83
- Rep. David K. Labriola (R-Naugatuck) District 131
Prepared by Easter Seals; February 2009.
*This document is in the Adobe PDF format. You will need to download free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view these documents. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free by clicking on the Adobe graphic below.
|
