[caption id="attachment_4210" align="alignleft" width="94" caption="Autism"]
[/caption]Carol Forsloff - The Virginia Autism Project joined families and communities in Virginia along with legislators who had advanced House Bill 2467 and Senate Bill 1062. The law becomes effective January 1, 2012.As explained in a recent press release, the new Virginia law requires insurance companies " to provide evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies for children ages 2 thru 6." There is a $35,000 annual cap on moneys expended. The bill was sponsored by a group of Democrats and Republicans, passing with overwhelming support after 11 years of getting such a bill passed.
"HB 2467 and SB 1062 are the culmination of over 11 years of legislative work, and countless hours of effort put forth by the parents and advocates in support of Autism," said Delegate Greason, one of the bill's sponsors. "This legislation delicately balances the needs of our families with the struggles that employers throughout the Commonwealth are faced with. It is the right thing to do, and I am proud to be a small part of the process."
"Virginia communities are celebrating this historic legislation to provide young children medical treatments for Autism! We owe tremendous thanks to Governor McDonnell and the many legislative patrons and leaders of Virginia, past and present, that have made this day possible. This is a great step forward to improve comprehensive services for children with autism in Virginia," said Pat DiBari, president of the Virginia Autism Project.
Other organizations such as Autism Speaks have continued to advance information and pressure on state legislatures for insurance to be used in the treatment and early diagnosis of autism.
The National Autism Association is another nationwide organization with the purpose of supporting research, information and legislation to help in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition known as autism. The organization presents this definition and set of characteristics:
Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3.
:: Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
:: Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous physical ailments which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, and more.
:: Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the occurrence has climbed to an alarming one in 150 people across the country.
