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Virginia passes legislation to expand autism insurance mandate… for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder for children ages two to six under state-regulated, large group plans. In 2015, we passed legislation that raised the age cap to ten years old. This year, the state legislature has … individuals with autism of all ages under state-regulated, large group plans starting in January 2020. We appreciate the support of our legislative champions and the growth in bipartisan support over our ten years of autism insurance work in Virginia, and we are grateful for the collaboration and determination …
Utah autism insurance mandate expanded! … requiring coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder under state-regulated, individual and large group plans. However, this coverage was limited to children ages 2-10 years old. Coverage for behavioral health treatments, … behavior analysis (ABA), was also limited to 600 hours per year (approximately 11.5 hours per week).   Thanks to the support of the Utah state legislature and Governor, these restrictions in coverage for autism have been removed. Effective … and treatment of autism if claims for autism coverage caused premiums to increase in excess of 1%. We are grateful for the support of the legislative champions and local advocates that helped achieve this milestone! Access to meaningful and …
6 tips for job seekers on the spectrum from someone who is autistic… the blog and book, Everyday Aspergers, Selection Committee Chair at the ANCA World Autism Festival and is active in autism groups locally and globally. She can be reached at  info@myspectrumsuite.com . I am an autistic job recruiter for a … opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. These are some of my personal tips when looking for work: Establish a support network In the long run a support system can get you through those setbacks and doubts, and provide that much-needed incentive to keep you on track. …
Research to Practice: Expanding Opportunities for Employment… to their specific needs,” said Bridget A. Taylor, PsyD, BCBA-D, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Alpine Learning Group . “As the adult autism population continues to grow, employment opportunities are critical to foster independence, … as potential employers. Assessments from the Alpine Learning Group The Alpine Learning Group of Paramus, N.J., with the support through a grant from NEXT for AUTISM from the proceeds of Comedy Central’s  Night of Too Many Stars , developed two …
Seeking Therapy: Options and considerations for autistic adults… Some people go to therapy after being diagnosed with a mental health condition. Others have a specific behavior or need support through a challenging short-term period. For others, therapy is a safe space to talk and get support in solving the … to CBT. However, DBT focuses more on regulating emotions, being mindful, and accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy involving one or more psychologists leading a group of roughly five to 15 patients. …
Autism Speaks rings the NASDAQ stock market closing bell for World Autism Month… Bell Ceremony. In honor of the occasion, Brian Harper, chairman of the Autism Speaks Board of Directors was joined with a group of autistic people, families and caregivers, and Autism Speaks staff members to raise awareness for World Autism … as the chairman of the Board at Autism Speaks, I have deep pride in the work we are doing to give anyone with autism the support and opportunities they deserve,” says Mr. Harper. “So far, we've connected 27 million people to vital resources like early diagnosis, adult transition support and employment training—always free of charge. Our vision to help autistic people reach their full potential is what …
Tips to create inclusive sports and recreation activities… shared interests. One option is through high-quality adaptive programs – those designed for people with disabilities in a supportive environment, from the Special Olympics to local therapeutic horseback riding lessons to school LEGO clubs. Since … individuals with and without disabilities participate together. Some activities and programs are already designed with the support needs of people with disabilities in mind. (Think: online video gaming.) But what happens when they are not? Here we … online within your county or state can open doors. One of the wonderful things about technology is there are virtual groups based on shared interest open to people across the world. These can be ideal if you feel burned out in general or if …
Meet Kim M. … seventeen months old, she felt alone, overwhelmed, and terrified.  When the autism diagnosis came, she gave her son all the support she could to give him the best chance at an independent life.  By the age of 6, Kim says, “his father and I knew … his own. Despite all his progress, he would need 24/7 supervision until the day he died.”   She wanted to create a loving, supportive, safe forever home for her boy. “It has become the driving force of my life,” she says.   Throughout the years within this community, she has made many friends with parents who also have profoundly autistic kids. Within this group, the idea for HomeLife21 was born.   The friends' group came up with the idea to create their version of a group home …
Autism Speaks recognizes Oklahoma Commissioner Mulready for work on autism insurance coverage… Department Commissioner Glen Mulready with an Autism Speaks 2022 Public Service Award for championing initiatives that support coverage of autism therapies and treatment for people with autism in Oklahoma. From his work as an insurance … the state law's diagnosis age restrictions as discriminatory. And with the passage of SB 1240 , state-regulated small group and individual plans will be required to provide meaningful autism insurance coverage beginning in 2023. “Oklahoma's … and a long-time volunteer advocate for the Oklahoma autism community also had the opportunity to thank Mulready for his support. Individuals in Oklahoma interested in shopping for an insurance plan that provides insurance benefits for …
Autism Speaks opens applications for Local Impact Grants… enhancing their lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. Autism Speaks’ Local Impact Grants support a variety of programs, including: Education and training programs for autistic individuals Recreation, athletic and … services, including vocational training, life skills, residential services and others Assistance for sensory equipment and supportive technology Summer camp scholarships for financially disadvantaged people with autism Since 2013, Autism Speaks … therapists and peers. Timeline:   April 15:  Application opens   May 16:  Application closes   May 23 – June 17:  A group of independent evaluators from across the country reviews and scores applications  June 27 – July 8:  Review …