AUTISM BLOG RECENT POSTS

2008 State Autism Profiles
KANSAS

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DEMOGRAPHICS

In 2000, 710 or 1.16% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Kansas have autism. In 2006-2007, 1,679 or 2.55% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.

Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Kansas for 1999-2000 and 2006-2007
(Child Count by Age Group)

	Child Count in 1999-2000	Child Count in 2006-2007
Age 3-5	87	169
Age 6-11	424	793
Age 12-17	169	614
Age 18-21	30	103
Age 6-21	623	1,510
Age 3-21	710	1,679

Source: Reported by the State of Kansas 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 Kansas for 1999-2000 and 2006-2007
(Child Count by Age Group)

	Child Count in 1999-2000	Child Count in 2006-2007
Age 3-5	7,728	9,524
Age 6-11	25,892	26,827
Age 12-17	24,910	26,525
Age 18-21	2,737	2,955
Age 6-21	53,539	56,307
Age 3-21	61,267	65,831

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

STATE TASK FORCE

Kansas Autism Task Force
On May 11, 2007, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed into law S.B. 138 which created a task force to study and evaluate the needs of individuals with autism, such as benefits, financial assistance, and the availability or accessibility of services. The Kansas Autism Task Force reports to the Legislative Education Planning Committee, and is required to prepare a preliminary report by November 15, 2007 and a final report on November 15, 2008. The task force is comprised of 24 members, including legislative members, parents, health care providers, educators, and other professionals with an interest in autism spectrum disorders. The preliminary report includes goals, challenges and proposed recommendations, including expanding the number of children served under the autism waiver and a health insurance mandate for autism.
Copy of Preliminary Report

STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE

Upon request by the Kansas Autism Task Force, the Legislative Education Planning Committee introduced S.B. 398 requiring health insurance coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders as prescribed in a treatment plan determined by a health care provider. Moreover, health insurance policies may not refuse or deny eligibility, coverage, impose deductibles or limits that are not consistent to fees for a physical illness, nor penalize or limit reimbursements for providers. The bill was referred to the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; no further action was taken.

MEDICAID

Kansas Home Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS): Autism Waiver
Approved in September 2007 and effective January 1, 2008, the Autism Waiver provides support services to caregivers of a child with autism spectrum disorders and early intensive intervention treatment for children with autism. Children may enter the program at the age of diagnosis through five years. In order to be eligible, the child must be diagnosed by a medical doctor or Ph.D. licensed psychologist using an approved autism screening tool (e.g., CARS, GARS, ADOS, ADI, ASDS) and evaluated for a Level of Care Determination to assess functional eligibility. Services are provided for three years and may be extended for one year if deemed medically necessary by approval of the review team. Covered services include consultative clinical and therapeutic services by an autism specialist, intensive individual supports, respite care, parent support and training, and family adjustment counseling.
Waiver Application

EDUCATION

H.B. 2369 was introduced in February 2007 to establish an autism scholarship program for students with autism between the ages of 3 and 21 years. The program would allow parents of a child with autism to send their child to a non-public school that would implement the child’s IEP. The amount awarded would be the equivalent of the cost of the education program the student would have received in the resident school district. The legislation was referred to the House Education Committee; no further action was taken.
http://www.kansped.org/ksde/spp/SPPFactSheet.pdf

Autism Service Scholarship Act
Upon request of the Kansas Autism Task Force, the Legislative Education Planning Committee introduced S.B. 406 which creates an autism service scholarship program for students enrolled in college and pursuing a master’s degree in an allied health care program with an emphasis in autism spectrum disorders in an underserved area. Students participating in the autism service scholarship program will be awarded up to a maximum of $2,500 per semester. No further action was taken.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

The Neurologic Disabilities Support Project (NDSP)
NDSP supports local school districts by providing services to students with autism and other neurologic disabilities. Support services include training, resource referral, consultation, and technical assistance to school personnel and students with autism.
hhttp://www.ksndsp.org/

OTHER STATE RESOURCES

Kansas Governor’s Commission on Autism
The Kansas Governor’s Commission on Autism advises and provides recommendations to the governor on the needs of individuals with autism, their families and service providers. The commission currently has fifteen members (parents, educators, healthcare providers, professionals with an interest in autism) appointed by the governor. David Cunningham is the acting chair. One of the goals is to establish regional diagnostic and outreach centers to service individuals with autism, their families, and personnel.
http://www.srskansas.org/hcp/css/Autism/AutismHomePage.htm

STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION

• Sen. Julia Lynn (R-Olathe) District 9
• Sen. Anthony Hensley (D-Topeka) District 19
• Sen. Donald Betts (D-Wichita) District 29
• Sen. Dennis Wilson (R-Overland Park) District 37
• Rep. Jene Vickrey (R-Louisburg) District 7
• Rep. Lance Kinzer (R-Olathe) District 14
• Rep. Judy Morrison (R-Shawnee) District 23
• Rep. Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) District 27
• Rep. Melody McCray-Miller (D-Wichita) District 89
• Rep. Pat George (R-Dodge City) District 119

Prepared by Easter Seals and the Autism Society of America; June 25, 2008.

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