Autism Spectrum Disorder ( Asd ) And Autism

As the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States, Autism affects 1 in every 68 children, and 1 in every 42 boys. On average, it costs families about $60,000 a year between medical bills and therapy. The hardest fact to accept is that there is no cure for this disorder. Families all over the nation struggle to find effective therapy for these kids.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Autism are terms used to describe a complex developmental disorder in the brain. These disorders are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal, and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Over the past few years, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome). Individuals with the disorder look physically similar to typical people, however their brains function differently. In diagnosing autism, children and adolescents undergo a series of tests in order to rule out similar behavioral disorders. In fact, autism is diagnosed on a spectrum quotient (AQ) from high-functioning/Asperger Syndrome to low-functioning (Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, & Skinner, 2001). Wherever the individual falls on the spectrum, they will no doubt face difficulties throughout their lives. Adolescents with autism have an especially hard time expressing what they think and feel. They may see, hear, feel, or smell things differently. In fact, children with autism may repeat things, pretend like they cannot hear, engage in abnormal bodily movements like excessive rocking, have a hard time relating to their pee...

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...uisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, specifically require insurance providers to cover the treatment of autism. Alabama requires insurers to offer autism coverage only in certain situations. Vermont amended their law to cover treatment for early childhood developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. Other states may require limited coverage for autism under mental health coverage or other laws (Autism and Insurance Coverage, 2012). In the past few years, the debate over autism and insurance coverage has heated up in state legislatures. Most of the legislation to provide coverage for autism has been authorized in the last four years. (Autism and Insurance Coverage, 2012).