Bill repeals insurance for autism treatmentIt was only last year that New Hampshire required insurance companies to provide support for early treatment of autistic children.
Now the new majority seeks to end that. HB 309 would end mandatory insurance for all kinds of early interventions.
I’m 55 years old, only recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome – a form of high-functioning autism. I’m married and a former partner of a major consultancy – all without such treatment.
Lack of social skills exposed me to sexual abuse as a child, caused several episodes of extended insomnia and isolated me socially until I did learn how to practice social skills in my teens.
Denying autistic kids the skill to connect is equally cruel. It is also fiscally irresponsible. Early treatment is costly, but much less than 50 or more years of institutionalization.
I also hope the political sponsors of HB 309 will recognize that this is political suicide. Autism affects one in 70 families. And we will speak out. Forcefully.
This demonstrates most clearly why universal coverage is needed now. So that millions of our children will not grow up in isolation, will be less vulnerable to abuse and bullying and will get their shot at a life defined by their abilities rather than their limitations.
The House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee hearing is today at 1:15 p.m. in Room 302 of the Legislative Office Building. Let’s speak out and help Rep. John Hunt, R-Rindge, and his colleagues not to make this big mistake.
Peter Luttik
Nashua
Source: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opinionletters/910000-263/bill-repeals-insurance-for-autism-treatment.html
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