BELOW THE LEGISLATION IS INFORMATION ON A SELF-HELP CLASS WITH MO-FEAT AND AUTISM SPEAKS IN COLLABORATION

Note from the MO-FEAT Moderator:

The following info is sent to foster legislative awareness only. MO-FEAT does not endorse specific legislation. Individuals are encouraged to contact their legislators to voice your opinions on these bills. Families are also strongly encouraged to contact your legislators to amke them aware that autism and autism-specific legislation affects your family.

AUTISM LEGISLATION filed in Missouri House and Senate as of March 1st.

Insurance Legislation:

1. Sen Ridgeway: SB 1122 Mandates insurance coverage for the treatment of autism under certain conditions

SB 1122 - This act requires each health carrier to provide coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Coverage under the act is limited to treatment that is prescribed by the insured's treating physician in accordance with a treatment plan. Under the act, an insurer shall not deny or refuse to issue coverage on an individual solely because the individual is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

The treatment plan shall include all elements necessary for the health benefit plan to appropriately pay claims. The health benefit plan may only request an updated treatment plan once every 6 months from the treating physician to review medical necessity, unless the health benefit plan and the treating physician agree that a more frequent review is necessary due to emerging clinical circumstances.

To be eligible for autism coverage, an individual shall be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 8 or younger. The coverage provided under this act shall only be provided to any eligible person less than 16 years of age. Coverage for behavioral therapy is subject to a $50,000 maximum benefit per year. The maximum benefit is adjusted annually for inflation.

2. Rep Grisamore: HB2265 Requires health benefit plans to include coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (Same as SB 1122)

Filed by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R, District 47, Lee's Summit) Co-sponsored by Brian Pratt (R, District 55, Blue Springs)

3. Senator Koster: SB 1229

Requires certain health carriers to provide insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder under certain conditions

Filed by Senator Koster (D, District 31)

4. Lampe: HB1753 Requires health benefit plans to include coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders

Filed by Sara Lampe (D, District 138) Co-sponsored by Beth Low (D, District 39, KC)

OTHER AUTISM BILLS:

SB 768

Creates the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders

SB 768 filed by Senator Scott Rupp (R, District 2)

SB 1127 Establishes the Office of Autism Services *Hearing for Tues March 4, Info below

SB 1127 - This act establishes the Office of Autism Services in the Department of Mental Health within the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The Office of Autism Services, under the supervision of the division director, shall provide leadership in program development for children and adults with Autism spectrum disorders. Such leadership shall include establishment of program standards and coordination of program capacity.

filed by Senator Scott Rupp (R, District 2)

Hearing Update:

Committee: Seniors, Families and Public Health, Champion, Chair

Date: Tuesday, March 4

Time: 8:15 AM

Room: SCR 1

SB 1127 - Rupp

Executive Session will follow the hearing on SB 1127

HB2075 Establishes the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders (Same as Rupp's SB768) Referred to Health Care Policy committee

Filed by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R, District 47, Lee's Summit)

HB2076 Renames the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Mental Health to the Division of Developmental Disabilities

Filed by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R, District 47, Lee's Summit)

HB2304

Amends laws relating to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES LAMPE (Sponsor), GRISAMORE, WALLACE, SATER, WETER, ROORDA, FRAME, McCLANAHAN, BURNETT, TALBOY, TODD, GEORGE, NORR, DARROUGH, BROWN (50), ZIMMERMAN, SCHOEMEHL, HODGES, GRILL, FUNDERBURK, CHAPPELLE-NADAL, LIESE, WRIGHT-JONES, HAYWOOD, NASHEED, LOW (39), SKAGGS, CURLS, FALLERT, RUCKER, SPRENG, WALSH, JOHNSON, LOWE (44), STORCH, HUGHES, SWINGER, VOGT, MEINERS, SALVA, SCHIEFFER, CASEY, JONES (117), ZWEIFEL, SHIVELY, ROBINSON, FISHER, McGHEE, RUZICKA AND LeVOTA (Co-sponsors).

Anne Roux, M.A.
MO-FEAT, Executive Director
Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment
800 Maryville Centre Dr., Suite 204
Chesterfield, MO 63017
314 275-8880 (St. Louis), 1-877-275-8988
email: mo-feat@sbcglobal.net
website: www.mo-feat.org

If you have not heard Jean Paul Bovee speak, an adult who has an autism spectrum disorder, and his mother, Julie Donnelly, it is well worth the effort to attend. His account of his life is really fascinating and you will walk away with an insight of his perceptions and experiences! Anne Roux, MO-FEAT

To register, call 314.989.7807 or register online at
www.solutionwhere.com/ssd

Making Decisions for a Lifetime

6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 2
or
9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, April 3

SSD Central Office Board Room
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131

Jean-Paul Bovee and Julie Donnelly will discuss their life experience with
autism. Jean-Paul has spoken on his experiences with autism for more than 20 years. His mother, Julie Donnelly, Ph.D., is the director of Autism
Support Services.

During this workshop, a Sibshop, sponsored by the St. Louis Arc, is
offered for children ages 7 to 13, who have a sibling with a disability. Sibshops provide siblings with opportunities for peer support within a lively, recreational context. To register for the Sibshop, call 314.989.7807.

To register, call 314.989.7807 or register online at
www.solutionwhere.com/ssd. Space is limited, so early
registration is encouraged. Childcare requires advance
registration and is available on a first-come, first-served
basis. No childcare is available on April 3. For special
accommodations or additional information, contact
Nancy Martin at 314.989.8194 (or TDD MO Relay 711).

Judy Presberg
Administrative Liaison for Family Services
SSD Parent Education & Diversity Awareness
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131

phone: 314-989-8438
fax: 314-989-8449
TTY: 314-989-8552
jpresberg@ssd.k12.mo.us
http://www.ssd.k12.mo.us/parenteducation/index.html

Anne Roux, M.A.
MO-FEAT, Executive Director
Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment
800 Maryville Centre Dr., Suite 204
Chesterfield, MO 63017
314 275-8880 (St. Louis), 1-877-275-8988
email: mo-feat@sbcglobal.net
website: www.mo-feat.org

INFORMATION ON A SELF-HELP CLASS WITH MO-FEAT AND AUTISM SPEAKS IN COLLABORATION

MO-FEAT, in collaboration with Autism Speaks, will present "Teaching Self-Help Skills" an educational meeting for families and professionals on April 15th at 7pm.

Having difficulties teaching toileting or showering?

How can you teach your child to dress himself?

What about teeth brushing and grooming?

Dr. Colin Peeler and an associate will discuss various topics pertaining to self-help skills and teaching individuals on the autism spectrum those skills. Come and bring your questions!

Where:

Creve Coeur Government Center
300 N. New Ballas
Creve Coeur, MO 63141

To RSVP: visit either www.autismwalk.org/stlouis or mo-feat@sbcglobal.net,Or by phone at 314-275-8880 (MO-FEAT) or 314-989-1003 (Autism Speaks)We regret that there will not be respite care available for this event.

Lose The Training Wheels 2008

For all children with developmental disabilities who would like to learn to ride a bike.

For more info: http://www.dsagsl.org/bikecamp.cfm?

Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis has scheduled its 3rd Annual Lose The Training Wheels bike camp!

WHEN:   June 9-13, 2008
WHERE: West County Christian Church
              17795 Wild Horse Creek Road
              Chesterfield, MO 63005
              (location information)
              Please do not contact the church for information
WHO: Children with developmental disabilities who want to ride a two wheel bike
            Read the official LTTW FAQ's to see if this camp is appropriate for your child

Interested in learning more? Please contact Jeffrey Pomranka at the DSAGSL office.
314-961-2504 or jeffrey@dsagsl.org

If you want to register, please start by downloading and completing our LTTW Application.

VOLUNTEERS!
If you would like to volunteer at this bike camp, please contact Jeffrey 314-961-2504 or jeffrey@dsagsl.org