Rep. Terry Swinger, at left, with Rep. Sam Page, D-Creve Coeur. Page introduced House Bill 2351 to require insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism [Click to enlarge]

" Autism is a neurobiological disorder which impairs social development and communication," he explained. "They are unable to relate to others emotionally. Many times autistic children display repetitive behavior. Autism can be mild or severe. It is diagnosed between birth and 3 years old. Many times a child appears to develop normally and then regresses almost overnight. "

The Democratic lawmaker said there is no known cause for autism. There are several theories but none that have been proven.

"What we do know is that it is occurring more frequently. For many years 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism. Now it is 1 in 150 children." Swinger said.

He added that current birth statistics indicate over 500 infants born each year in Missouri are expected to be diagnosed with autism. There is no cure but scientist are continuing to study this disorder.

There are treatment options that are available to help achieve some normal functioning, but early intervention is important., he said. "One treatment is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA uses techniques to reinforce desired behavior, actions and skills. Another treatment is Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). RDI is parent based. Parents are taught how to expose the child in a gradual systematic way to interact socially and emotionally."

Swinger said although treatment isn't a cure, many children have shown great progress and are able to develop some social and communication skills and emotionally connect with others. Treatments are not short term and they are expensive.

Many health insurances do not cover treatment for autism.

"They have several excuses," he said. "Some feel it is experimental. Others won't cover it because there is no cure. They believe their premiums will rise if they choose to cover it. However in states that have implemented coverage, the premium has only gone up less than 1 percent. No coverage means the parents have to pay out of pocket.

House Bill 2351 to require insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism was introduced by Rep. Sam Page, D-Creve Coeur, who is also a medical doctor.

" We had a very interesting and emotional public hearing in my Healthcare Policy committee recently regarding this legislation," Swinger said. "Several mothers gave testimony on how their families have been affected by having no coverage for their child's treatment. It not only affects the child with autism but the whole family. They are in financial trouble because they are running out of money to pay for these treatments. Parents are forced to pay or have no treatment for their child. Parents will do everything in their power to help their children but money sometimes limits this power. I hope we can help these families."