New: 2012 Legislative Report
Utah Diagnostic Resources
Background/Overview
The Autism Treatment Account was established March 2010 by the Utah Legislature and expanded in 2012 (HB 272) to fund therapy focused on evaluation and treatment of children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Utah Legislature has provided one time general funds for this account.
The Autism Treatment Account Advisory Committee and the Utah Department of Health determined that the most efficient and effective way to provide therapy for children under HB272 was to issue a request for grant application (RFA). The purpose of the RFA was to enter into contracts with qualified providers or organizations to provide services eligible under UCA 26-52
(http://le.utah.gov/UtahCode/section.jsp?code=26-52).
Account monies will be used to provide a child who has a diagnosis of ASD, and who is at least two years of age but younger than six years, with services that utilize applied behavior analysis and other proven effective therapies per national standards. All services provided will include at least:
- Applied behavior analysis therapy provided by or supervised by a board certified behavior analyst or a licensed psychologist with equivalent university training and supervised experience who is working toward board certification in applied behavior analysis;
- Willingness to collaborate with existing telehealth networks to reach children in rural and underserved areas of the state; and
- Methods to engage family members in the treatment process.
The RFA resulted in contracts with four ASD therapy providers: Alternative Behavior Strategies, Inc., Amy Peters Therapy Services LLC, Autism Therapy Services LLC, Kids on the Move, Inc. During an open enrollment period, applications were accepted by all four providers. Children have been randomly selected for enrollment and are currently entering into therapy with the selected providers. There are currently no available opportunities for additional enrollment through the Autism Treatment Account Pilot Program.
For those unable to access access services through the Autism Treatment Account, there are existing resources in place. For help in locating appropriate resources, please review the following:
The Utah Parent Center (UPC) is a training and information center founded by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents facing similar challenges throughout Utah. The staff of the UPC utilizes an effective parent-to-parent model to help many parents and families. UPC has staff specifically trained to identify appropriate resources for families of children with autism.
801-272-1051 or toll-free (Utah) 800-468-1160
Website: www.utahparentcenter.org
The Autism Council of Utah (ACU) is an independent council working to foster collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies. ACU promotes access to resources and responsible information for individuals of all ages who have, or are affected by autism, or related conditions.
Email info@autismcouncilofutah.org
Website http://autismcouncilofutah.org
Be sure to look at the Fast Start Checklist located under “Autism 101”.
The Baby Watch Early Intervention Program assures that early intervention services are available for families with infants and toddlers (birth to age three) with special needs.
801-584-8226 or toll-free 800-961-4226
Website: www.UtahBabyWatch.org
From the age of 3 through the age of 21, your child is guaranteed a free appropriate public education supplied by your local education agency (local school district). The first contact in the school system is with your child’s teacher.
Advisory Committee Meetings
The Autism Treatment Account Advisory Committee will consist of six members appointed by Governor Gary Herbert. The members will serve 2 year terms and represent individuals who are knowledgeable about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Legislative Reports
Contact Information
Rebecca Giles
Program Manager
801-584-8455
rgiles@utah.gov
Donation Process to the Autism Treatment Account
By check:
Made check payable to:
Autism Restricted Account - Utah Department of Health
Mail to:
Utah Department of Health Finance
ATTN: Jerry Edwards
PO Box 144003
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4003
By electronic funds transfer (EFT):
Please contact Jerry Edwards at 801-538-6647 or Cathy Hernandez at 801-538-6607 prior to initiating transfer.
Further questions, please contact:
Jerry Edwards
jedwards@utah.gov
Susanne Knight
801-584-8250
sknight@utah.gov
Rebecca Giles
rgiles@utah.gov
801-538-6259
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