|
The battle to help thousands of Alabamians, including family, cope with autism could be waged in the chambers of state lawmakers next month when the Legislature convenes in Montgomery. Spearheaded by Rep. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster), the Alabama Autism Task Force should make a number of suggestions in efforts to improve care for the autistic in areas such as education, systems of care, intervention services, family support and health care. The Task Force, which met Tuesday in Auburn, hopes to create a permanent State Autism Council that will oversee all aspects of the disorder.
The Task Force will recommend a state-funded, Board Certified Behavioral Specialist for every school district, but the words "state-funded" will always catch lawmakers’ attention, particularly in this era of budget crunches. Another measure is to "ensure appropriate and equitable coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorders by private health plans and insurers." One would think autistic deserve equal insurance coverage as others, right? Other recommendations include raising autism awareness, creating an ASD Medicaid waiver and increasing treatment opportunities. Obviously, a concern when asking for programs in the Legislature is money. Where will the money come from? Surely, these are needs the people of our state desperately must have. Can funds be appropriated? Can funds be re-appropriated? Regardless, Alabama is growing and autism is growing with it. ASD is something than cannot be ignored, but must be dealt with. Full support of the Legislature is a good start in that direction. |
The rough draft of a report to be presented to the Legislature reveals that 1 in 150 children are now diagnosed with autism, and the number of autistic children attending public schools in the state has risen by 270 percent in the last seven years and an amazing 3,337 percent since 1990. It is not clear if that many more children have become autistic, or that public schools have become more accessible for the autistic and their parents. The Task Force will recommend the Legislature increase funding for teacher training to work with the autistic and create an academy specifically for this training. This is a valuable tool our education system must have to serve the needs of our children.