ABOUT Washington Autism Advocacy A grass roots state-wide coalition of families with children affected by an autism spectrum disorder. Our mission is to create positive change to appropriately support our children through advocacy and new legislation. Founded in 2007 by Arzu Forough, the parent of two children with autism, WAA has become a leading voice in the rights of children with autism in Washington state.

YES!!! Autism Insurance Parity in Washington State 2009 Proven therapies to care for a child with autism can cost up to 50,000 a year. Many families have exhausted every financial resource they have available to care for their child. The financial strain of raising a child with autism is enormous, leaving families in dire financial conditions. Some families have been forced to sell their homes. Some have had no other choice but to file bankruptcy. Others are left unable to provide their child with proven therapies. Enough is enough! Autism in an epidemic with 1 in every 150 children receiving a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. There are more than 6,000 children in Washington state with an autism diagnosis. Autism is an equal opportunity condition, and isn’t limited to only those who can afford non-covered therapies. All children deserve to be given equal access to proven therapies that will help them become productive members of society.

YES!!! Autism Insurance Parity in Washington State 2009 The estimated impact of insurance costs in Washington state with a mandated insurance benefit is very slight – only %. AIP is sweeping the nation! Eight other states have a similar level of coverage, 6 other states have pending AIP legislation, and 21 more states are proposing AIP legislation in It’s time for Washington state to get on board!

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that typically appears in the first three years of life and currently affects 1 in every 150 children. There is no known cause or cure for autism. The treatments recommended by the national standards are not covered by any WA insurers or major employers except for Microsoft (Premera) and Active Army (Tricare Echo). Autism is not a qualifying diagnosis for children under 6 years old by the WA Division of Developmental Disabilities The divorce rate in families of children with Autism is over 80%. Washington state leads the nation in institutionalizing children with Autism and other related disabilities. AUTISM FACTS

Autism is term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders. The “spectrum” includes: Autism Aspergers Syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified PDD (NOS) Describing Autism

Diagnosis of ASD by a licensed physician or psychologist. Definition includes Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, and PDD-NOS. Speech, Occupational, Physical, and ABA therapies. Psychiatric and Psychological care. Rehabilitative and Habilitative care. Children covered from birth to 21 years of age. All therapy is subject to an annual limit of $50,000, but NOT subject to a limit of the number of annual visits AIP Legislation Includes

Washington Autism Advocacy, together with other advocacy groups, is working to make Autism Insurance Parity a law in Washington state. We have been busy pounding the grass roots pavement to educate and recruit people to become active in our state-wide efforts. We have held legislative coffee meetings at WAA members houses where dozens of families participated. The AIP bill is in the process of finishing the Sunrise Review through the Department of Health. We have bi-partisan support for the AIP bill with Senator Rasmussen and Representative Loomis leading the charge. Next step is to file the bill for the 2009 legislative session. Making AIP A LAW

Contact your state legislators and tell them you support AIP. Sign-up to receive WAA Action Alerts: washingtonautismadvocacy.org. Rally with us for change to support children with autism – events will be posted on our website beginning in December. Wear your support of AIP by purchasing AIP Campaign apparel: How Can you Help? Together, we WILL make a difference for our children!