Arkansas Autism Partnership
Project Description:
The Arkansas Autism Partnership (AAP) is the state's Medicaid Waiver program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Arkansas' prevalence rates, according to the CDC, 2014, are 1:40 boys and 1:172 girls. The AAP was the outgrowth of a recommendation by the Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism and subsequent legilsation, Arkansas Act 1198 of 2007. The AAP was initiated October 1, 2011 with services beginning in January of 2012. The UCEDD has the administrative responsibility to oversee this program statewide, via delegated authority from the state Medicaid agency. The program provides intensive, evidence-based intervention for 100 eligible children with ASD between the ages of 18 months and 7 years. The servioces are delivered in the child's home and community by a team of professionals/paraprofesionals who are hired by local non-profit organizations. Parents are required to participate in the intervention as a mechanism for enabling them to appropriately support their children and carry forward the interention at the close of servies, a three year maximum. Outcome data shows that all children in the program have made progress and many have made significant progress. Some progress so repidly that they no longer meet the eligibility requirements after 1-2 years of treatment.
Core Function(s):
Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
