Autism Society: Insurance Reform is Important for Autism Community

October 1, 2010
By Amanda Glensky

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Amanda Glensky
Media Specialist
Autism Society
301-657-0881 x 9015
aglensky@autism-society.org

Bethesda, MD (Oct. 1, 2010) – The Autism Society expresses its disappointment with the remarks made by Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle that appeared to devalue critical insurance reforms for individuals with autism and their families. Those who speak out against insurance reform clearly do not understand the economic benefit to society when autism services are provided early in life.

“For the family of a child with autism, it can cost a up to $72,000 per year for various therapies and other treatments associated with early intervention,” said Jeff Sell, Autism Society Vice President of Public Policy, and the father of two teenage sons with autism. “When families can’t afford these services, society ends up footing the bill when these individuals reach adulthood and need state-funded support.”

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability with an annual cost to society of $60 billion, with 60 percent of the costs occurring in adult services. But with early diagnosis and intervention, lifetime care for a person on the spectrum can be reduced by two-thirds.

About the Autism Society
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.

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