Re: New Definition of Autism May Exclude Many, Study Suggests -...

[Guest guest]

Actually, the latest proposed rule defining Autism for purposes of eligibility for the waiver is much more restrictive than any DSM criteria: see cut and paste immediately below: Of particular note, see the word severe throughout (what you know to be severe can be judged by others (APD) to be "only" moderate). Also, while most kids w/ autism will have many from subpart 1 (the communication/social domain), there is a requirement that the individual must have at least one from subpart 2. Note the problematic words in subpart 2.....and consider,.....many interventions (in our case....ABA) have successfully targeted the behaviors in subpart 2 and while there are usually residual levels of these behaviors, will they be judged to be: encompassing, non-functional, or persistent ? Some of us with older kids have been wondering........after years and years of time and dedication to all sorts of interventions....... have we moved our kids just a notch too high for eligibility under the "new" criteria? maybe.

(bold emphasis added by me) p.s. only the definition of "autism" (1) is being redefined. There are no changes proposed for other eligibility diagnosis (2) through (9).

Notice of Change

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICESAgency for Persons with Disabilities

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:65G-4.014: Eligibility for Services65G-4.015: Eligibility Criteria65G-4.016: Application Process65G-4.017: Establishing Eligibility

NOTICE OF CHANGE

Notice is hereby given that the following changes have been made to the proposed rule in accordance with subparagraph 120.54(3)(d)1., F.S., published in Vol. 37 No. 44, November 4, 2011 issue of the Florida Administrative Weekly. (No changes have been made to Proposed Rules 65G-4.015, 4.016, and 4.017.)

65G-4.014 Eligibility for Agency Services – Definitions.

(1) Autism means a condition which meets the requirements of Section 393.063, F.S., that the condition is:

(a) Pervasive, meaning always present and without interruption;

( Neurologically based, meaning that the condition is not the result of physical impairment;

© A developmental disability with age of onset during infancy or childhood;

(d) With extended duration, meaning that the condition reasonably can be expected to continue indefinitely into the future;

(e) Causes severe learning disorders resulting in both severe communication disorders affecting both verbal and nonverbal skills, and severe behavior disorders.

Autism is characterized by an individual evidencing at least six of the following twelve features from the following subparts 1 and 2, with at least one feature from subpart 2:

1. Severe communication disorders, which may include:

i. A delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime);

ii. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language;

iii. For those applicants with speech, marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction;

iv. Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level;

v. A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, pointing out objects of interest, or achievements to others);

vi. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity;

vii. Marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others in individuals with adequate speech; or

viii. Impaired imaginative ability evidenced by a lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level.

2. Severe behavior disorders, which are restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities which may include:

ix. Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus;

x. Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals;

xi. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements); or

xii. Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.

(2) through (9) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 393.065, 393.501, 393.063 FS. Law Implemented 393.065 FS. History–New ________.

Guess what? Your kid may no longer have autism! What a great way to get out of paying for serviceshttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html?_r=2