ilkerson says that most traditional assessments take less than four hours. LENABaby, in contrast, considers a full day of activities in the child's natural environment. Traditional assessments can be done in the child's home, but this often involves multiple video cameras and lights, which can influence the child's behavior.
House No. 3809 (ARICA - An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism) - Sponsored by State Representative Barbara A. L'Italien (D-42) and State Senator Frederick Berry (D-7) * Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder * Coverage of treatments will be provided when prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary * The bill includes coverage of the following treatments: Habilitative or rehabilitative care, Pharmacy care, Psychiatric care, Psychological care, Therapeutic care, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) * The bill applies only to fully-funded health plans governed by state and to state health plans offered to public employees
On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity.
Model Me Kids® videos demonstrate social skills by modeling peer behavior at school, on a playdate, at a birthday party, on the playground, at a library, restaurant, and more. Real children model and narrate each skill.
ABA uses educational techniques to change certain antisocial behaviors in autistic kids. By working with these children on a one-on-one, daily basis, therapists can increase children's skills in language, play and social interaction. They can also help them get over behavior that interferes with learning. Much of the therapy is repetitive in nature, which is why sessions need to be ongoing, without interruption. Health Library * MayoClinic.com: Autism But it's controversial. Some health plans consider it experimental or say it is not medically necessary. But many experts say that ABA does show promise, especially in children whose autism was diagnosed at an early age. According to the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, a highly respected autism research and treatment center, studies have shown 60 percent of high-functioning children can lose their diagnosis of autism by age 8 by using ABA.
A meta-analysis of 55 published research studies reveals programs designed to teach social skills to children with autism are failing to meet their goals. The study, conducted at Indiana University, found that outcomes for social skills training were poor overall, but programs held in normal classroom settings were more likely to result in positive changes than programs held in other environments.
Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts was formed in 2004 to address the need for public advocacy on behalf of individuals, families and professionals who have or deal with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which also encompasses Asperger's Syndrome and high-functioning Autism. The organization provides an important arena for mobilizing those of us who deal with ASD in our day-to-day lives as the most eloquent and persuasive spokespeople for our concerns. Our efforts focus not only on the State House but also on towns and city halls that also have responsibility for service delivery and funding.