Real Autism Advocacy - In Virginia Delegates Marshall and Poisson Push for Autism Health Insurance Coverage

In Here's why Virginia should mandate coverage for autism Delegates Rob Marshall (R-Manassas) and David Poisson (D-Sterling) argue for mandated health insurance coverage for autism by passage of H.B. 1588 in the Virginia General Assembly.



HB1588: Autism spectrum disorder; mandated health insurance coverage therefor was introduced in the Virginia General Assembly by Mr. Marshall on September 24, 2008 and requires health insurers, health care subscription plans, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in individuals under age 21. Coverage is subject to an annual maximum benefit of $36,000. Anyone interested in following the progress of the bill can do so on the excellent Richmond Sunlight site.

Delegates Marshall and Poisson point out that, in addition to the gains for autistic children, early intervention in treating autism is an effective cost saving measure and that it alleviates the burden on on schools in their efforts to educate autistic children. The health insurance autism mandate is required to ensure that early intervention is provided to autistic children in Virginia. The legislation would provide for coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary care prescribed, provided or ordered by a physician or psychologist for a child under the age of 21.

Autistic children, and their families, in Virginia have two strong champions in Delegates Rob Marshall and David Poisson.

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Mayo Clinic - No Evidence to Support Gluten Casein Free Autism Diet

An unidentified poster asked an expert from the Mayo Clinic whether there special diets, specifically Gluten Casein free diets can help children with autism. The Mayo Clinic per pediatrician Jay Hoecker, M.D., state clearly that there is NO EVIDENCE to support the effeciveness of gluten casein free diets. This one was popular when my son was diagnosed 9 years ago and we tried it for awhile and saw no benefit. Dr. Hoecker also emphasizes the potential harm from nutritional deficiencies that might arise from such a diet.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism-treatment/AN01519


There's no evidence that special diets, such as restricting certain foods, are an effective treatment for autism.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that has no known cure. For this reason, many frustrated parents turn to unproven alternative treatments in an attempt to help their children. The most popular of these alternative treatments are diets that eliminate gluten or casein, or both.

Proponents of restrictive diets believe that casein, a protein found in dairy products, and gluten, a protein found in many grains, affect brain development and behavior, causing autism in some children. However, there's no scientific evidence that this is true or that restricting these foods improves autism. Furthermore, restrictive diets can result in nutritional deficiencies in growing children.

Parents should talk to their child's doctor before starting any alternative autism treatment. Although no cure for autism exists, early behavioral and educational interventions can help children with autism improve their communication and social skills.