The Phoenix Chapter of the Autism Society of America has announced that online registration is open for its 2008 conference.  The conference, scheduled for May 3 and 4th, will feature Louder than Words author Jenny McCarthy as a keynote speaker.  McCarthy will speak on May 4th at 8:45 am and will “discuss her personal experiences in helping her son Evan who was diagnosed with autism. She found that an intense combination of behavioral therapy, diet, and supplements became the key to saving Evan from autism. Jenny will shares the frustrations and joys of raising an autistic child and show how with love and determination a parent can shape their child’s life and happiness.”

Other notable speakers at the conference are Kathleen Quill, Ed. D, author of DO-WATCH-LISTEN-SAY, Zosia Zaks author of Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults and Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph. D, BCBA of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD).  In addition to discussions on vaccines, the GFCF diet and sensory integration, there will also be a three hour workshop for adults on the autism spectrum.

For more information on registration for the event, contact the Phoenix Chapter of the Autism Society of America at (480) 940-1093.

Source:  ASA-GPC

On February 14, Autism News Direct reported that the Arizona Autism Insurance Billhad passed its first hurdle by making it out of committee.  I am happy to report that as of this week, a little over 30 days from moving out of committee, the Arizona Autism Insurance Bill has been passed and signed into law by Governor Janet Napolitano.  This piece of legislation did not have its adversaries.  Insurance companies, small business owners, corporations, and even the Arizona Chamber of Commerce opposed the initial wording of the bill.  The claims were made that insurance premiums would increase across the state if this legislation were to be enacted and that some companies would no longer be able to offer insurance coverage as a result of the bill. 

There are some specific mandates that were written into the bill.  These include a limit of the requirement to employer-purchased plans in firms with more than 50 employees, a cap of $50,000 per year for children through age eight and a cap of $25,000 per year for children aged nine through 16.  An important part of this legislation is that it will cover children with Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-NOS in addition to autistic disorder.  Currently, the State of Arizona’s Department of Developmental Disabilities provides no funding for children with Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-NOS leaving their parents to foot the hefty bills for therapy and other interventions.