National Statistics on ASD ASD now affects 1 in 150 children ASD now affects 1 in 94 boys

3. The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on AutismAutism Spectrum Disorders: A Public Health Crisis • National Statistics on ASD • ASD now affects 1 in 150 children • ASD now affects 1 in 94 boys • A child is diagnosed once every 20 minutes • There are over 24,000 new cases diagnosed annually • ASD is more prevalent that juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer & pediatric AIDS combined. • ASD is fastest growing serious developmental disability • There are almost 2 million cases of ASD • The economic impact of autism is over $90 billion annually

4. The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on AutismAutism Spectrum Disorders: A Public Health CrisisCalifornia Statistics on ASD • Dept. of Developmental Services & Regional Centers • Caseload increased 634% from 1987 to 2002 • Currently there are almost 35,000 consumers with ASD • 84% are under the age of 22 years • Annual net increase of 3,200 cases of ASD • ASD now represents almost two-thirds of all new cases • Currently there are more cases of ASD than of Cerebral Palsy • Regional Centers probably serve only about 20% of ASD • School districts • Almost 35,000 students with ASD in special education • Most districts have doubled ASD students in just the past 4 years • Proportion of students with ASD in special education has increased >400% in past 9years • There has been >1000% increase in ASD students K-12 during past 12 years

5. The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism • Legislation (Sen. Perata) enacted 2005;Unanimous & bipartisan support • Autism Commission Goals ~ identify & close gaps: • Early identification & intervention • Education & continuous treatment • The “aging out” of children • Commission’s Three Task Forces Identify existing problems & gaps Review potential strategies Provide specific recommendations • Task Forces Reports (March 1, 2007) • Statewide Townhall Meetings • Final Report to Governor & Legislature(September 2007) • Legislation extends Commission to Nov. 2008 Web site: senweb03.senate.ca.gov

6. The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism Factors & Considerations: • Consumers, parents, & families as well as individuals working in the field must be involved • The state should have a clear role and responsibility to address these issues • The solutions should be clearly identified • The solutions should be reasonable & feasible to implement. • The solutions should have outcomes that can be monitored & measured • The solutions should have the potential to effect broad “systems change”

7. Autism Legislative Package: 2007-2008 Session • SB 527 – Early Identification of ASD (Sen. Steinberg) • SB 1475 – Pilot on Transitional Services for Early ASD Treatment (Sen. Torlakson) • SB 1563 – Health Insurance Coverage of ASD (Sen. Perata) • SB 1364 – Addressing the Public Health Crisis of ASDin California (Sen. Cedillo) • AB 2302 – Expanding Credentials for Teachers to EducateStudents with ASD (Asm. Bass) • AB 1872 – State Clearinghouse for the Education of Studentswith ASD (Asm. Coto) • SB 1175 – Expansion of Housing for ASD (Sen. Steinberg) • SB 1531 – Police Officer Training on ASD (Sen. Correa)

8. SB 527 – Early Identification of ASD (Sen. Steinberg) • Pilot project (three or more counties) established by DDS to establish best practices for the effective identification, assessment and treatment of children with ASD and other developmental delays • DDS will establish an Autism Early Identification Advisory Committee (AEIAC) to implement innovative approaches, promote collaboration/communication, utilize new telehealth strategies, improve professional development, provide appropriate compensation, and increase public awareness • DDS and AEIAC shall report to the Legislature by July 1, 2011 with an evaluation and recommendations based on the outcomes of the pilot project • Will be funded by non-general fund sources

9. SB 1475 – Pilot on Transitional Services for Early ASD Treatment (Sen. Torlakson) • Pilot project (three or more counties) by DDS to improve the transition of children with ASD as they transition at three years of age from regional centers to school districts • This project shall identify and implement existing models of excellence and best practices that will establish seamless, coordinated, and integrated programs between regional centers and local school districts for the. identification, assessment and treatment of children with ASD and other developmental delays from birth to five years of age • DDS shall establish an Early Autism Intervention and Transition Advisory Council that shall advise and assist the department in the pursuance of this legislation • DDS and the Advisory Council shall provide a report and recommendations to the Legislature by June 1, 2012 • Will be funded by non-general fund sources

10. SB 1563 – Health Insurance Coverage of ASD (Sen. Perata) • The Department of Managed Health Care and the Department of Insurance shall review guidelines and standards on the screening, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders • The Department of Managed Health Care and the Department of Insurance shall develop recommendations by October 1, 2009, on ensuring that health plans and insurers provide appropriate and equitable coverage for those illnesses • These recommendations would be consistent with the protections provided under the existing California Mental Parity Law, which specifically identifies ASD and PDD.

11. SB 1364– Addressing the Public Health Crisis of ASD in California (Sen. Cedillo) • Legislative intent to declare and establish that that ASD is a public health crisis within California. • The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been established to improve access to health care services • The Legislature directs the CDPH to establish an Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Council • The Legislature directs CDHP to explore and provide recommendations on establishing a pilot project for a voluntary centralized registry of individuals with ASD

12. AB 2302 – Expanding Credentials for Special Education Teachers to Educate Students with ASD (Asm. Bass) • Current law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to report to the legislature and the Governor on the existing process and requirements for obtaining and special education credential and to recommend modification to enhance and expedite those procedures. • Authorizes the holder of a level 1 education specialist credential who is authorized to provide instruction to individuals with mild and moderate disabilities to provide instruction to pupils with ASD

13. AB 1872 – State Clearinghouse for the Education of Students with ASD (Asm. Coto) • Based on the recommendations of the Superintendent’s Autism Commission, CDE shall establish the California ASD Clearinghouse in order to provide evidence-based recommendations and practices for the education of pupils with ASD • Information provided by the Clearinghouse shall be targeted to a broad range of audiences and shall include the following goals: • Internet web site on evidence-based practices • Creating a “toolbox” of resources • Featuring demonstration projects • Superintendent of Education shall convene a Clearinghouse Oversight Committee to represent major stakeholders for the education of pupils with ASD and to perform the following: • Establish criteria, guidelines, and processes • Select anchor documents and resources • Provide advice and recommendations • Develop online rating systems and periodic surveys

14. SB 1175 – Expansion of Housing for ASD (Sen. Steinberg) • Expands the existing authority that has been granted to the Bay Area Housing Consortium Regional Centers to all regional centers throughout the state • Authorizes all regional centers to enter into negotiations and contracts with certain specified entities for the payment of lease or leases on housing for regional center clients pursuant to the fulfillment of the following stipulations provided for in this act: • That the housing and services are integrated with individuals without disabilities • Approval of proposed ownership and management by regional center & DDS • Reasonable costs • Proposal includes approved transfer of property to non-profit approved by regional center • Bill calls for review of contracts by California Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Housing and Community Development

15. SB 1531– Police Officer Training on ASD (Sen. Correa) • The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training shall create and make available on DVD and electronically a course on how to recognize and interact with people with ASD • This course will be made available to peace officers, firefighters, ambulance attendants and other emergency workers • Possible voluntary identification card • Possible voluntary electronic data base linked to DMV