With national health care reform in the limelight, many of us in the "Autism loop" have been receiving emails from organizations asking us to sign petitions, send messages, and phone representatives to insure that proven autism therapies are part of the discussion. Currently, only 14 states require insurance companies to cover ABA therapy for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and I firmly believe that requirement should be part of any Federal program.
As you sign those petitions, send those messages, phone your representatives, and forward those emails I would like you to consider adding some version of the following:
"Guaranteed insurance coverage of proven therapies, most notably ABA therapy, may additionally help discourage individuals from seeking cheaper "alternative" therapies. Not only do these sham therapies offer no documented benefit, many are dangerous and clearly unethical. Two increasingly popular "therapies" are of particular concern - chemical castration, which is not only a direct assault on human rights and dignity but also carries a range of serious side effects and chelation therapy, which is both scientifically inappropriate for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and potentially fatal.
Please insure that all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders have access to proven therapies by helping to relieve the financial burden they carry, and in doing so, marginalize the spread of dangerous "alternative" therapies which threaten lives and provide nothing but false hope to desperate families."
Perhaps highlighting the dangers of excluding coverage will be the kick in the ass they need. Beside - it never hurts to plant a seed of knowledge in this woo-filled world.
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