Autism Treatment Acceleration Act Introduced in U.S. House

Autism Treatment Acceleration Act Introduced in U.S. House On May 14, the  Co-Chairs of the Coalition on Autism Research and Education, Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), along with Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) introduced the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 (ATAA). This is a companion to the bill of the same name introduced in the Senate in April. The Autism Society applauds this comprehensive autism legislation focused around enhancing the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The Autism Society especially applauds the inclusion of support services for adults on the autism spectrum in this bill. Currently, the federal government provides for educational services until age 21; however, autism is a lifelong disorder, and when the school bus stops coming, individuals and families are often left to fend for themselves. ATAA creates a demonstration project to provide an array of services to adults with autism spectrum disorders, including: postsecondary education; vocational and self-advocacy skills; employment; residential services, supports and housing; nutrition, health and wellness; recreational and social activities; and transportation and personal safety. The legislation also would provide for the establishment of a national network in order to strengthen linkages between research and service initiatives at the federal, regional, state and local levels, and facilitate the translation of research on autism into services and treatments that will improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families. A national data repository would be created to share emerging data, findings and treatment models. Other key aspects of the bill include: the establishment of a national training initiative on autism and a technical assistance center to develop and expand interdisciplinary training and continuing education on autism spectrum disorders; and a requirement that health insurers cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, assistive communication devices and other effective treatments. The Autism Society needs your help in order to help pass this critical legislation. Please contact your U.S. Representative and ask him or her to co-sponsor the bill. We’ve composed an e-mail describing all the vital aspects of this bill but it will be especially effective if you add your own story describing how ATAA would help you and your family. The time to act is now. Please support this important issue today, and urge your friends to take action as well. Together, we can improve the quality of live for individuals with autism across the lifespan.

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AN AUTISM SPEAKS INITIATIVE

Massachusetts Autism Advocates

Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in over twenty states across the nation, including Massachusetts.

Last week, an autism insurance reform bill was introduced in the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill, sponsored by Representative Barbara A. L'Italien (D-42) and State Senator Frederick E. Berry (D-7), will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The autism insurance reform bill will cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist. Autism Speaks is partnering with AFAM (Advocates for Autism in Massachusetts) to ensure passage of this crucial legislation.

There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills across the country, including five states during last year's legislative season: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This legislation will position Massachusetts to be one of the next groundbreaking states that provides access to treatment for families dealing with the challenges of autism spectrum disorder.

Your help is needed to generate support for the autism insurance reform bill from your Massachusetts representative. Note that the deadline for co-sponsorship is February 4^th, so please reach out to your state legislators now...

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. CALL YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS. Find out who represents you and their phone numbers here.

2. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS. We encourage you to take the opportunity to personalize the e-mail before you click send. You can do so in the box below our letter.

3. STAY INFORMED Visit the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bill.

4. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW A far-reaching grassroots effort will be crucial to the success of this legislation. Reach out to those who have asked how they can help by asking them to support this bill. They can show their support by by contacting their Massachusetts legislators and by registering for action alerts at AUTISM VOTES

For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Massachusetts, visit AUTISM VOTES .ORG IN MASSACHUSETTS

Warm regards,

Judith Ursitti
Regional Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks