Autism Spectrum Disorders

1. AutismSpectrum Disorders Julie Williams Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher Marinette School District

2. National Anthem Gina Incandela 7 years old Autistic

3. What is Autism? • IDEA 2004 Educational Definition • A developmental disability significantly affecting a child’s social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication, generally evident before age 3, that adversely affects learning and educational performance. • Other characteristics- • Engagement in repetitive activities and stereotypical movements • Resistant to change or change in daily routines • Unusual responses to sensory experiences

4. Prevalence of autism • 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with autism • Boys are 4x more likely to be diagnosed than girls 1 in 150 children -- comes from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, which looked at 8-year-olds in 15 cities in 2002. ADDM data is more accurate than a survey based on parent responses because it confirms the reports of parents and caregivers with a review of the children’s medical records. *found in American Academy of Pediatrics

5. Why is the prevalence of ASDs higher? • Pediatricians are actively screening for ASD and are willing to make the diagnosis at younger ages • Heightened public awareness and the fact that services are available to treat children with ASD may lead to more diagnoses than in the past. • It’s also possible there is a true increase in the incidence of ASDs.

6. Early Intervention is the Key Wisconsin Early Autism Project WEAP's curriculum addresses the major deficits common in autism *Understanding language *Communicating with and relating to peers *Building age appropriate and symbolic play skills *Increasing conceptual thinking and cognitive skills TACA

7. Funding for Treatment in Wisconsin The state of Wisconsin currently offers funding for in home autism treatment through a waiver system. Children under the age of eight with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder who demonstrate a medical need may be eligible to receive up to three years of funding for intensive autism treatment. Children older than eight may be eligible for reduced funding for a variety of services. The waiver is offered state-wide and is administered by individual counties. County case managers work directly with families to complete the waiver application process. Some counties have chosen not to administer the waiver, and in these counties, the state has contracted with private agencies to assist families interested in securing funding. Marinette County case manager: Tammy Zinther

8. Insurance policies have changed!!! • Effective 1/10/10 All health insurance is required to provide coverage for treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. • The coverage for the above disorders will provide at least $50,000 for intensive level services per year with a minimum of 30-35 hrs per week for a minimum of 4 years and at least $25,000 for non-intensive level services per year. • These services will be covered only until age 9.

9. Other Autism Therapy Agencies • Applied Behavior Analysts, LLC, Green Bay, WI • American Foundation of Counseling Services, Green Bay, WI • Autism Resources and Services, Green Bay, WI • Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program, Appleton, WI • Professional Family Resources, Inc., Oconto, WI • Innovative Counseling 2339 Cedar Ridge Rd, Green Bay, WI, (920)497-6161 Brown County or (866)460-8848. Email: specialkids@itol.com