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State Infant/Toddler Program Policies for Eligibility and Services Provision for Young Children with Autism

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Abstract

The importance of early developmental and behavioral treatment for children with autism is increasingly recognized. Little is known, however, about early intervention policies that may affect service delivery to these children. The current study describes states’ policies for providing early intervention services to children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C and examines how Part C policies are associated with the proportion of school-age children diagnosed with autism served under IDEA. Results indicate few consistencies among states in policies and practices regarding the identification and care of infants and toddlers with autism. The implications of state variation for policy makers are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, Children’s Hospital, San Diego, USA

    Aubyn C. Stahmer

  2. Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, USA

    Aubyn C. Stahmer

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Center for Mental Health Policy & Services Research, Philadelphia, USA

    David S. Mandell

  4. 3020 Children’s Way MC5033, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA

    Aubyn C. Stahmer

Authors
  1. Aubyn C. Stahmer
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  2. David S. Mandell
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Correspondence to Aubyn C. Stahmer.

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Stahmer, A.C., Mandell, D.S. State Infant/Toddler Program Policies for Eligibility and Services Provision for Young Children with Autism. Adm Policy Ment Health 34, 29–37 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-006-0060-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-006-0060-4

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