State of the State Presentation Connecticut Act Early Regional Summit
A Bit about Connecticut As of 7/1/2008, overall population of Connecticut: 3,501,252 people Number of towns in Connecticut: 169 towns We are a state operated by the towns and local school districts, not by counties.
Connecticut Prevalence In 2000: 1,377 students or 1.86% of children ages 3-21 had ASD in CT. In 2007-2008: 4,387 or 6.36% of children ages 3-21 had ASD in CT. http://www.easterseals.com/site/pageserver?pagenam e=ntlc8_2009_state_autism_profiles_connecticut
Birth to Three Part C under IDEA Early Intervention (Birth to Three) is administered by the Department of Developmental Services Birth to Three Providers Number of Providers: 46 Autism Specific: 9 Children served from 10/1/2009-12/1/2009: 4,743 Children with ASD served: 300 (1 and 2 year olds); 1 out of 166 (2 year olds in CT)
Autism Specific Birth to Three
Current State System Part B under IDEA Services for preschoolers (age 3-5) with ASD: A variety of services and service models individually administered by local school systems. Services for school age children (age 5 21) with ASD: A variety of services and service models individually administered by local school systems.
Connecticut Preschools 2007-2008: 587 out of 7,660 students in Part B preschools had a diagnosis of autism. 4,040 out of 7,660 students in Part B preschools had a diagnosis of developmental delay. https://www.ideadata.org/tables31st/ar_1-2.htm
State Resources CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS) CT Department of Education (SDE) Child Development Info Line Six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) State Educational Resource Center (SERC) CT Parent Advocacy Center
Resources Groups Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC) Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN) Connecticut Families for Effective Autism Treatment Training for Families LEND/UCEDD ASRC SERC SEPTAs
Resources: Higher Education Central Connecticut: 9 credit ASD Certificate program St. Joseph s: 15 credit ASD Certificate Program Yale: DBP Fellowship Training Program, focus on Autism UConn: LEND interdisciplinary training through UCEDD; focus on ASD Southern Connecticut State University Masters in Special Education and ASD Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Resources: Medical Yale Child Study Center Diagnosis and opportunities to participate in research Yale DBP-Diagnosis and Follow-up UConn Psychology Program Diagnosis and opportunities to participate in research Connecticut Children s Medical Center- Diagnosis Private Primary Care Providers Medical homes for their patients with ASD 5 Regional Medical Home Models funded by the DOH Technical assistance
Current Legislation An Act Concerning the Expansion of the Pilot Program for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder 08-63: provides programs for adults with ASD not linked to intellectual disability An Act Requiring Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorders Therapies 08-132: provides coverage for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies
Current Legislation An Act Concerning the Teaching of Children with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities 08-5: prepare recommendations on a state-wide plan concerning the instruction of children with ASD and other DD An Act concerning Health Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorders (09-115): provides insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment for therapy, psychiatric services, prescription drugs, speech, language and other services
Proposed Legislation Tax Credit (TOB 477): provides a tax credit to employers of individuals with ASD to increase access to job coaches An Act concerning Special Education (HB 5425): mandates boards of education to provide ABA services to students with ASD who require such services
Current Challenges and Gaps Delays in initial referrals by providers Lack of diagnostic options: long waiting lists for actual diagnosis Delays in obtaining appropriate medical and intervention/educational services after diagnosis Lack of financial supports for families through state programs and health insurance coverage
Looking Toward the Future Expanding the screening of young children by primary health care providers and others Building the capacity in the state for diagnosis in a timely manner Improving the timing and easing the transition between diagnosis and evidence-based intervention Increasing the availability of evidence-based intervention delivered with fidelity Increasing out of intervention/school options for children/young adults (during the years until 21 and after) Expanding the availability of financial supports for families