Letter to the editor: "Cover Autism Therapy"(

Letter to the Editor in The Oregonian from a Portland mother.
(Good job Danni McLaughlin!)

Note: KEEP these letters and include them with YOUR letters to legislators to show that this is a matter of public interest and that the issue is in the public venue.
As one minor correction, at this time TEN ELEVEN states have passed mandates covering behavioral therapy for minors with autism: IN, SC, TX, AZ, LA, FL, IL, PA, NM and most recently--MT and CO. (Blog author note: Colorado passed their mandate May 5!)

NV looks as if it is poised to pass their mandate bill. These states recognize that their children--their citizens--need this support and access to behavioral treatment.
Oregon should do no less.

Oregonian - Letters to the editor: Autism Funding May 2, 2009

Cover autism therapy

How nice for State Rep. Mitch Greenlick that he only has to ponder whether or not behavior therapy would help all children with autism, all the time, with all its symptoms ("A struggle to defeat autism and its costs," April 29).

Is there a single medical protocol with a 100 percent success rate for all afflicted?

I have a child with autism, so I can tell you that behavioral therapy works wonders. It is a remarkable tool that changes kids' and families' lives. It isn't invasive, it requires no expensive equipment and the skills can be taught and used at home and in school.

Can you imagine being told that your child's needed speech, occupational, physical and behavioral therapies are not covered by insurance? Note that these same policies cover addicts, the obese and smokers.

Oregon's autism rate is among the highest in the nation. Funding treatment that helps children with autism become productive, able, self-directed citizens is a vital investment. Please ask your legislators to add Oregon to the list of nine other states that have already passed this critical insurance reform.

DANNI McLAUGHLIN
Southwest Portland