Call for Action- Washington State Residents

Please watch this video:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/04/autism.resolution/#cnnSTCVideo

I found that this was a wonderful piece about behavioral intervention in children with Autism and how setting boundaries early and understanding that obsessions are hard to break if we allow them to become out of control. We have to pick our battles however it is nice to see that there are programs that are in development and in practice that will help a family to deal with the issues of home life.

WAA is working hard to get private insurance companies to cover therapy costs that work in get children ready for adulthood (up to $50,000 a year until age 21). If you get a chance to call let the legislators know that you are a friend of our family and that Harrison is a wonderful guy who needs intensive therapy not covered by private insurance because he turned 6 in December and the insurance company no longer covers private therapy-(my personal 2 cents) because they think that this type of therapy can be done completely at the public school level- not so or fair to assume. You are welcome to use Harrison as your example and share with the following legislators who you are in relationship to Harrison. Yes, I am his grandmother, teacher, therapist, aunt, caregiver, friend of the family, Harrison’s friend. I am giving you permission and will sign a release if you need one. Please just make the call in the next 48 hours and I will sign it when I see you next. It is really important to us! Thank you!

Now…what you need to know to call the legislators and why it is important for them to hear from you too!

Dear Washington Autism Advocate,
Shayan's Law (SB 5203) is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.

We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.

We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.

Both of these Committee chairs need to hear from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!

Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664

Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!

2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!

Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978

Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!

3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!

4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.

This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!