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e-Speaks || June 26, 2009
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Autism Speaks Launches Major Ad Campaign Urging Congress to End Autism Insurance Discrimination
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This past week, Autism Speaks launched a major ad campaign supporting federal autism insurance reform. The first ad, which was featured in several political publications, focuses on raising awareness about the need for Congress to act on federal autism insurance reform and for federal legislators to become co-sponsors of the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA), S. 819 and H.R.2413. A key provision of the ATAA requires insurance companies to provide coverage of medically necessary autism treatments, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Take action today by downloading, printing out, and faxing a copy of
the ad
to your federal legislators. Find out more at
www.autismvotes.org/ataa.
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New Jersey Becomes the 14th State to Pass Autism Insurance Reform
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Autism Speaks joins New Jersey families and other autism advocacy organizations in applauding the state's legislature for passing the autism insurance reform bill, S. 1651 and A. 2238. This bill requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies with a maximum benefit of $36,000 annually for a child with autism that is twenty-one years old or younger. The bill now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law. To learn more about the New Jersey law, visit
www.autismvotes.org/newjersey.
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Busiest Spring Walk Weekend Raises Over $1.92 Million
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The busiest weekend of the spring Walk season occurred June 13-14, with six events held in Colorado Springs, Hawaii, Iowa, Mount Laurel (Southern N.J.), Pittsburgh and New York City. More than 32,000 people participated, raising over $1.92 million. Read more and view photos
here.
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Supreme Court Reaffirms Parents' Rights in Securing Appropriate Education
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The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 vote, ruled in Forest Grove v. T.A that “the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act authorizes reimbursement for the cost of private special education services when a school district fails to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education and the private school placement is appropriate, regardless of whether the child previously received special education or related services through the public school.” The Court's decision means that parents have the right to sue without having to first “try out” the district's program of services for their child. Autism Speaks, through its Federal Legal Appeals Project, filed an amicus brief in the case to explain why a contrary result would have hurt the autism community.
Read more.
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Community Connections Offers Travel Tips for Individuals with Autism and Their Families
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This month's edition of Autism Speaks Community Connections focuses on travel. Read tips from experienced parents and learn how to plan and enjoy an easier vacation experience.
Read more.
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New Study Uses AGRE Data to Identify Genetic Mutations Linked to Autism Risk
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Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) continues to play an integral role in elucidating new findings in the complex autism inheritance puzzle. Utilizing genetic samples from the AGRE cohort, a research team identified 27 genetic regions where rare gene variations – missing or extra copies of certain genes – were found in children with autism. These multiple genetic duplications and deletions are thought to interfere with gene function, which can disrupt the production of proteins necessary for normal neurological development. The study is published in the June 26 edition of the journal PLoS Genetics.
Read more. |
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AIR-P Steering Committee Convenes to Develop Next Steps for Autism Treatment and Research
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In May, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) held the first in-person meeting of the AIR-P Steering Committee, whose role is to guide and oversee the research and guideline development activities specific to the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), an initiative of the Combating Autism Act. Built on the ongoing structure of the ATN, the AIR-P's focus is on research and the development of clinical guidelines for screening and treating physical health concerns common to children with autism.
Read more.
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11th New York Celebrity Golf Challenge Raises $800,000
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Despite stormy weather, Autism Speaks' 11th annual New York Celebrity Golf Challenge succeeded in raising approximately $800,000. The event, held June 15 at the renowned Winged Foot course in Mamaroneck, N.Y. continued a tradition of hosting celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Read more and view photos
here.
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Oregon Golf Tourney Brings In $55,000 for Autism Speaks
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Golfers, including celebrity athletes, hit the links at Langdon Farms Golf Course in Aurora, Ore. for the inaugural “Hey! You Aren't the Boss of Me! Celebrity Golf Classic.” The tournament, hosted by Autism Speaks supporters Bob Fessler and CH2M HILL, Inc., raised more than $55,000 to benefit children and adults with autism. Read more and view photos
here.
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In Their Own Words: The Autism Scholarship
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In our latest "In Their Own Words" essay, a teenager who has a cousin with autism explains how the creation of an autism scholarship program would benefit students with autism and allow their families to achieve a better quality of life.
Read more.
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Coming Soon
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June 27
Nantucket Walk Now for Autism Kick-off
(Nantucket, Mass.)
Nebraska Walk Now for Autism Kick-off
(Lincoln, Neb.)
Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism Kick-off
(Springfield, Mo.)
July 4
9th Annual Potomac 5K Run – 1 Mile Walk
(Potomac, Md.)
July 11
Long Island Walk Now for Autism Kick-off
(Huntington, N.Y.)
Milwaukee Walk Now for Autism
(Milwaukee, Wis.)
Tacoma Walk Now for Autism
(Tacoma, Wash.)
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