Autistic Children Victims of the CA State Budget Crisis

In California, demand for autistic services is growing at epidemic rates, while money to pay for them is declining.

The state says that children with the most severe form of autism will continue to receive care, but budget cuts will mean fewer infants and toddlers will be served.

Autism increased more than 1,100% over two decades, while the number of people with developmental disabilities increased 136%, according to a report made public this year by the California Department of Developmental Services.

In June 2002, nonprofit groups tracked by the state helped 14,279 people with autism. By the end of 2007, the number had grown to 34,656. State experts expect it to surpass 50,000 by this September and reach 70,000 in June 2012.

Services for an autistic person cost at least double those for individuals with other developmental disabilities, state experts say.

Californians with developmental disabilities are entitled to services under the 1969 Lanterman Act, which gives them the right to services that help them to live more independent lives.

California requires that private insurance companies pay for medical services for children. Those services include speech and occupational therapy and psychotherapy for autism. But insurance companies don't pay for intensive behavioral therapy.

An effort is under way to force insurance companies to cover behavioral therapy expenses, said Bryce Miler, contract manager at Center for Autism and Related Disorders, which has an office in Fresno. Twelve states already have mandated it. "The movement is spreading," Miler said. But advocates are still pressing the issue in California.

Under the proposed state eligibility change, children between the ages of 24 and 36 months would need to have developmental delays of 33% in two categories -- cognitive, self-help, physical, communication or emotional -- or a 50% delay in one area, based on evaluation. Currently, toddlers need to have a delay of 33% or greater determined in only one area, such as speech.

Source: fresnobee.com (6/20/2009)