The Autism Education Site » Arizona

Support the Arizona Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force – SB1181

Melissa — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:58:25 +0000

Tomorrow, the Arizona State Senate Health Committee will hear SB1181 – the Arizona Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force – for the first time. The hearing is scheduled for 9:00 am. If you live in Arizona, contact your State Senator to show your support for this task force. Details about the purpose of the task force follow.

REFERENCE TITLE: autism spectrum disorder task force

State of Arizona
Senate
Forty-ninth Legislature
Second Regular Session
2010

SB 1181

Introduced by Senators Aguirre, Leff: Aboud, Allen C, Burton Cahill, Lopez; Representatives Goodale, Jones, Pancrazi

AN ACT

Establishing the autism spectrum disorder task force.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Autism spectrum disorder task force; membership; duties; reports; delayed repeal

A. The autism spectrum disorder task force is established consisting of the following members:

1. Two members of the senate who are appointed by the president of the senate and who represent different political parties.

2. Two members of the house of representative who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and who represent different political parties.

3. The director of the department of economic security or the director’s designee.

4. The director of the department of health services or the director’s designee.

5. The director of the Arizona health care cost containment system administration or the director’s designee.

6. The superintendant of public instruction or the superintendant’s designee.

7. One employee of a school district in this state who oversees special education services. The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

8. One representative of an organization in this state that advocates for persons with autism spectrum disorder. The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

9. One representative of an organization in this state that provides services to persons with autism spectrum disorder. The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

10. One parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder. The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

11. An adult who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

12. A developmental pediatrician who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17, Arizona Revised Statutes, and who has expertise in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder. The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

13. A behavior analyst who has expertise in autism spectrum disorder. The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

14. A faculty member of a university under the jurisdiction of the board of regents. The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

15. A member of the business community. The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

B. The task force shall:

1. Review the coordination of services provided by state agencies, schools and organizations relating to the treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorder, including resources available to the families and other caregivers of persons with autism spectrum disorder.

2. Identify problems and recommend solutions regarding the availability of services to persons with autism spectrum disorder and their families and caregivers and the efficient delivery and coordination of those services.

3. Identify current funding sources for services provided to persons with autism spectrum disorder and determine if there are additional available federal or other funding sources that are not being used.

4. Identify and recommend opportunities for the sharing of resources of services to persons with autism spectrum disorder, including partnerships between the public and private sectors.

5. Identify evidence-based treatments and best practices for autism spectrum disorder.

6. Identify state models and service systems for persons with autism spectrum disorder.

7. Submit to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives an interim report of its findings and recommendations on or before June 30, 2011 and a final report of its findings and recommendations on or before December 15, 2011. The task force shall provide a copy of its interim and final reports to the secretary of state.

C. Task force members are not eligible to receive compensation, but members appointed pursuant to subsection A, paragraphs 8, 9 and 10 are eligible for reimbursement of expenses under title 38, chapter 4, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes.

D. This section is repealed from and after September 30, 2012.

Autism Benefits Available Through Arizona’s DDD

Melissa — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:26:45 +0000

Here is an excerpt from an article about the qualifying for, and receiving benefits from, the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Autism Benefits Available in Arizona: Respite Care, Habilitation, Medicaid, and Therapy Covered by DDD

Benefits for children and adults with autism vary by state. In Arizona, individuals on the autism spectrum can take advantage of a variety of benefits including respite care, habilitation, and state-covered health insurance. State-provided services also cover several therapy options including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Upcoming Autism Conferences in Mesa, Arizona and NYC

Melissa — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:00:02 +0000

Autism Conferences of America is preparing for two upcoming autism conferences – one in Mesa, Arizona and one in NYC.

Back-to-School Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome Conference in Mesa, Arizona
This conference will be held at the Mesa Convention Center and feature an opening keynote address by Temple Grandin. Workshops will cover a variety of topics including a discussion of psychiatric medications and an examination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for autism.

Educating & Healing Children with Autism in NYC
The autism conference in NYC will feature a variety of workshops about biomedical treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, many well known autism biomedical writers will be in attendance including Kim Stagliano, David Kirby, and Dan Olmsted.

Autism Schools in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Utah

Melissa — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:14:41 +0000

In honor of back-to-school time, I’ve begun a series of articles on the Suite 101 website that focuses on specialized autism schools across the nation. The first three articles include Autism Schools in Arizona, Autism Schools in Colorado and Utah, and Autism Schools in Florida.

Although the list of schools I included in the article is by no means comprehensive, I chose to focus on a few select schools in each state.

Autism Schools in Arizona

ACCEL
Chrysalis Academy
Gateway Academy
Pieceful Solutions

Autism Schools in Colorado

The Joshua School

Autism Schools in Florida

Florida Autism Center of Excellence
Jacksonville School for Children with Autism
Peace by Piece
The Victory Center

Autism Schools in Utah

Carmen B. Pingree Center for Children with Autism
Spectrum Academy

Camp Runamuk in Arizona

Melissa — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:53:19 +0000

The 2nd annual Camp Runamuk will be held from October 9-12 in Prescott, Arizona. Camp Runamuk is a family camp and the fees include one room per family, eight meals, snacks, and all on-site activities. The fee schedule is as follows:

Family of 2 – $454
Family of 3 – $639
Family of 4 – $796
Family of 5 – $925
Ea add’l family member – $175/ea

Families will get the total camp experience from bunk beds to campfires, for 4 days and 3 nights while they participate in family and individual activities all geared for campers with special needs, their siblings, and parents. At night, each family will turn in to their own room in a suite-style log cabin, each complete with its own bathroom and shower.

For more information, download the following PDF files…

Camp Runamuk 2009 Flyer
Camp Runamuk 2009 Application
Camp Runamuk 2009 Camper Information Form

Arizona’s Autism Insurance Law, Steven’s Law, Goes Into Effect Today

Melissa — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:00:52 +0000

Steven’s Law Step-by Step Eligibility Questions:

1. Ask the Company/Human Resources Dept. (HR) for whom you work (where you receive your health benefits/insurance) if the plan your family has is a “Self Insured Plan.” If they tell you “Yes” – you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “No” go to step # 2.
2. If you do not know or are unsure, ask the HR Department if the company has 50 or more employees. If they tell you “No” than you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “Yes” go to step #3
3. Ask the HR Department where/in which state your Insurance Plan is “underwritten.” If your plan has been underwritten in any state other than Arizona you may not be eligible for Steven’s Law.
4. Call your insurance company and ask for “Member Benefits.” Ask if they (Customer Service) are familiar with Arizona’s Steven’s Law/Autism Coverage.If they tell you “No” ask to speak to a Supervisor and ask the Supervisor the same questions.
5. If they tell you “Yes” ask them if your family (your child) is eligible for the benefits under your plan.
6. If they tell you “No” ask them why/what the reason is, and then tell them you want the reason you do not have coverage sent to you in writing.
7. If they tell you “Yes” request a list of “Network or Contracted Providers” or “Preferred Providers” for your area. This will give you all of the agencies and/or individuals who are contracted with your insurance company to provide services outlined by Steven’s Law.
8. Because some Companies have elected to offer this coverage when they are not required to, call your insurance company and ask even if you think you are NOT eligible. If they tell you that you ARE eligible, request it in writing before you make any appointments etc.

Feel free to share this information with other organizations and/or individuals. Questions? No problem! Send an email to jessica@azautism.org.

African-American Autism Support Services of Arizona Parent Support Group

Melissa — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:47:54 +0000

Approximately 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism in the United States according to federal statistics as of 2007. These numbers place Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders at an alarming high rate and even at an epidemic level and early intervention services are crucial in the development milestones for children diagnosed. The average age of diagnosis for children as a whole is about 20 months old, but in the African- American community the average age of diagnosis is about 5 ½ years old. A LOT OF PRECIOUS EARLY INTERVENTION SUPPORT IS LOST. However, it is never too late to start.

This support group was founded to offer support in an environment that is culturally supportive and to equip families with knowledge and resources to assist their family on there journey in advocacy and helping there diagnosed family member have the best quality of life.

The tendency of families is to isolate because you feel you are all ALONE and no one will UNDERSTAND. Well, I am here to say you are not alone this group was founded to burst that myth.

This support group is geared towards the African American community considering the cultural needs that must be considered in obtaining and receiving support and the lack of resources to assist in this area. However, we encourage anyone and everyone to come and be apart of this group.

Our second meeting will take place:

Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 11am – 12:00pm.

You are welcomed to bring your child with you. These groups are informal opportunities for individuals and families to come together to receive support, knowledge, and resources.

Location:
Cesar Chavez Library – Conference Room
3635 West Baseline Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012

Please call Lynette Tolliver at (602) 772-1412 or e-mail african-americanautismofaz@cox.net and leave a message advising of your attendance and/or if you have any questions with a contact number or e-mail for follow up.

Thank You….Pass The Word On….We Will See You There!!!

Open Doors Center Summer Camp in Arizona

Melissa — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:00:47 +0000

The summer camp session sponsored by the Open Doors Center in Arizona will be held at the New Vision Center in Scottsdale from June 22-26. The fee for the week-long day camp is $200 with a $25 deposit due tomorrow, June 12.

Hands-On Expeditionary Summer Camp

What: For kids ages 8-12, all kinds of learners including Gifted, Twice Exceptional, and even “Reluctant” learners by Certified teachers from the Open Doors Center
Date: June 22-26, Monday-Friday
Time: 9:00AM-1:00PM
Themes:

Monday – Going Green
Tuesday – Inventions
Wednesday – Stars and Planets
Thursday – Theatre
Friday-Celebration

Place: 9659 N. Hayden, Scottsdale 85258
Space Provided by New Vision Center
Fee: $200 (deposit of $25 due by June 12)
Contact: Terry at 623-703-3452 opendoorscenter@gmail.com

S-Club’s Social Skills Summer Camp in Arizona

Melissa — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:49:39 +0000

Children and teens with high functioning autism, Aspergers, ADHD, NVLD and other diagnosis often leave parents struggling to find a summer program that can accommodate and support them. S-club’s summer camp will improve your son/daughter’s social interaction skills while learning the enjoyment of peer interaction. Kim Yamamoto and Elaine Berkley invite your child to join us for facilitated social skills building and social coaching in a fun natural environment…no therapy rooms here! Two highly qualified providers, small groups and you won’t get that call to come and pick up your child/teen.

Camp Information

Dates: June 15 – July 18, 2009

Price: $250/wk, $50 discount if a friend signs up

Times: 7-11 year olds – 9:00 – 11:30am; 12-16 year olds – 12:30 – 3:30pm

For more information, contact Kim Yamamoto or Elaine Berkley at (623) 210-5287

Gateway Academy College Transition Program – AZ

Melissa — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:08:28 +0000

Gateway Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona has announced the details of its Spectrum College Transition Program. The Mission Statement provides more information about the program.

Providing a supportive, residential, post-secondary program for young men with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism, who need assistance academically, socially, and emotionally.

We collaborate with existing organizations to provide an alternative environment to accommodate the needs of young men with Aspergers Syndrome (AS) by facilitating academic tutorial services, social skills, and skill-building, small group sizes, and a sensory integrated environment. We encourage students with AS to feel comfortable with their uniqueness, while helping them learn the skills they need to develop meaningful relationships with others and cope with a variety of social situations in a safe, supportive environment.

For more information, call (480) 443-7331 Monday-Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Mountain Time.