Autism Reform Bill of 2009

Michael Robinson the founder of The Office for Advocacy has proposed the Autism Reform Act of 2009 through the website change.org, so far the idea only has a little over 900 votes.  While I don’t agree with a lot of the bill – I think its a great start, however I am going to submit my own idea (if I can figure out how)The Autism Reform Bill of 2009 as shown on change.org: (my thoughts are in italics)

1. There must not just be one person but an ENTIRE U.S. OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE for Educating Children with Autism
   Who would this office be held accountable too? Would politicians, or experts be appointed to this office?  How about Autistic people?
2. The use of Time Out Rooms, Corporal punishments, Restraints, and the high amount of Abuse must be monitored with severe penalties to states and fines or conviction of those that break such a REFORM Law.
   100% Agree.
3. School Districts/States must each have an ” Office of Autism Education Compliance or be subject to loss of Federal Funding.
   While this idea is good in theory, these offices tend to end up being just one person who knows nothing about the office they hold.  See most school districts special education offices as proof.
4. Due Process Hearing Officers must NOT be employees of the state and shall be employed by the Federal Government ONLY.
   I think this would further slow down due process – an already slow process, instead make it so they have to be federally certified.
5. Insurance companies MUST provide the Early Interventions such as ABA Discreet Trial at no cost to parents.
   You can’t intervene with Autism, its how your born.  However I feel more therapies should be covered by insurance companies.
6. Protection and Advocacy MUST be funded properly to allow parents that need  help get it without any more then a 15 day waiting period.
   What about Autistic Individuals who need help advocating?
7. Grants for research, education, and non profit organizations for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders must be made in the amount of 5 billion dollars.
   I believe these funds should also be distributed by a committee of those with autism as they know best where the money would go, not a politician.
8. Relief for parents who have paid out of pocket to educate their children must be made swiftly with 100% reimbursement.
   I agree 100%, however accountability for this procedure should also be put in place. There are many parents who would sadly milk this.
9. Behavior Intervention Plans must accompany all Individual Education Plans.
   I don’t like the idea of Behavior Intervention Plans for Autistic Individuals, instead I feel that those behaviors should be explored more with school encouragement as they could be media for communicating thoughts and ideas.
10. Insurance companies must make available all resources for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders including but not limited to any items deemed necessary by the  physician for the treatment of metal toxicities and any other therapeutic orders their physician may order.
    Ummm no.  Autism is not caused by metal toxides, its a scientifically proven fact.
11. The Autism Reform Act shall consider all Autism Spectrum Disorders including Aspergers.
    Sounds good to me.
12. This Reform Act must be ‘open’ for additions as needed and create a 12 parent persons Autistic Indivual panel to propose such additions.
    Fixed it for ya.

Tagged as: advocacy, Aspergers, Autism, autism bill, autism laws, autism reform, autistic, house, senate