Sesame Street Launches Autism Initiative

Sesame Street, a show you loved when you were a kid, and one that your kids enjoy today, has launched a major autism initiative. The program is called “See Amazing in All Children”. It is designed to foster greater understanding about autism for all children and families. There is a stigma placed upon autism that need not be there. People who do not understand autism, or who do not have anyone in their lives that has it, may harbor many misconceptions about it. The goal of the Sesame Street autism initiative is to help de-stigmatize autism (which affects one in … Continue reading →

Tennessee Bill Would Require Coverage for Autism Treatment

Tennessee could be the next state to require private health insurance companies to cover the cost of autism therapy. There is a bill that, if passed into law, would require the coverage. If that happens, it will greatly benefit Tennessee families who are currently struggling to pay for the cost of the treatment that their children need. There are 34 states that have passed laws that require private insurance companies to cover the cost of treatment for autism. A growing number of states that do not have this law in place are beginning to take the steps to make it … Continue reading →

Hawaii Bill Could Make Autism Coverage Required

Hawaii might soon be among the list of states that require private health plans to cover autism therapy. A bill, that is being called “Luke’s Law” has been passed by a committee in the Hawaii House of Representatives. An eight year old boy named Luke influenced the committee with his testimony. There are many states that require private health insurance policies to cover the cost of autism treatment. Other states are trying to get their legislature to approve bills that would require that coverage. Without it, many parents find that they cannot afford to pay for the treatment that their … Continue reading →

Making a Point with Colored Plastic Balls

Utah is one of the states that does not require private health insurance companies to cover the cost of autism treatment in a health plan. This could change if a bill designed to help families afford the treatment their child requires is passed into law. Advocates made their point about how badly this bill was needed by using brightly colored plastic balls to represent each child it would help. In Utah, there is a bill called SB55. It was released by Senator Brian Shiozawa. The bill was endorsed by Autism Speaks, a national advocacy group. If passed into law, it … Continue reading →

Utah Bill Would Require Coverage for Autism Treatment

Utah is one of the states that does not require private health insurance companies to cover the cost of treatment for autism. That could change, thanks to a new bill that would require private health plans to cover it. This is in response to pilot programs that failed to provide adequate coverage. Right now, there are 32 states that require all health insurance plans to cover the cost of autism treatment. Typically, this means that the insurance plan will cover applied behavioral analysis, (ABA). It is an ongoing form of treatment that can require 25 to 40 hours a week. … Continue reading →

New York Regulation Makes Autism Coverage Difficult

Insurance companies in New York are required to cover the costs of applied behavior analysis. This went into effect in 2011. Now, a new state regulation has popped up that would greatly reduce the number of providers for ABA therapy that the insurance companies would cover. This will make it harder for families to afford the therapy that their children require. In 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law that required health insurance companies to cover the cost of autism services. The insurers had to pay up to $45,000 a year for therapy and treatment, including applied behavior analysis (ABA). … Continue reading →

Florida Appeals Order to Cover Autism Treatment

In March of 2012, a judge ordered the state of Florida to cover the cost of autism treatment for children who were covered by Medicaid. Private insurers had previously been required to cover it. Now, the state of Florida is appealing that decision. The state wants to decide if ABA treatment is necessary on a case by case basis. In order to fully understand this situation, you need a little background information. Applied Behavioral Analysis, (also called ABA), is a psychological form of treatment that is necessary for children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a therapy … Continue reading →

Insurance in Alaska Now Covers Autism Treatment

As of January 1, 2013, health insurance policies in the state of Alaska will be required to cover autism treatment. This is going to be a very “Happy New Year” for parents in Alaska who have children who require treatment for autism! There seems to be a trend going on where states are requiring this type of coverage. This is going to be a better year for families in Alaska who have children who have an autism spectrum disorder. Governor Sean Parnell allowed a bill to become a law without his signature. That bill requires health insurance companies in the … Continue reading →

The Technology Band Uses iPads

High school students in Queens, New York, are using the iPad as a musical instrument. The students have been described as having “severe learning disabilities”, and many have an autism spectrum disorder. Their teacher, Adam Goldberg, found a way to use the iPad to enable the students to make music. This is amazing! It has been known, for quite some time, that the iPad is incredibly useful for students with a variety of learning disabilities and special needs. One example of this is how the Milford school district, in Connecticut, uses the iPad with students who have autism. The school … Continue reading →

Insurance in Ohio Now Covers Autism Treatment

The Governor of Ohio, John Kasich, has announced that many health insurance plans in the state will now cover autism services. This is excellent news for families who have been struggling to pay for the treatment their child requires without the help of their health insurance company. There is no cure for autism, but there are some forms of treatment that can help with certain symptoms. Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, is one that can help. It is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by environment. In “plain English”, it can help children … Continue reading →