SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

In recent years there has been significant progress in achieving mental health parity in New York State and nationally. However, the ongoing debate over the treatment and coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) poses a significant challenge to lawmakers and the various interest groups.

Early intervention is seen by many as key in combating the pervasiveness of ASD among children. ASDs can be diagnosed at a young age with varying opinions ranging from diagnosis as early as six months to other espousals of diagnoses at three years of age. Behavioral and developmental interventions, speech and occupational therapy and special schooling needs -- even though considered experimental by some -- may prove cost effective in the long run.

The purpose of this hearing is to evaluate programs and treatment options that already exist in this state for children with ASD, as well as evaluating what can be done to improve their living standards and assist families and caregivers with their many burdens, including financial, of dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be by invitation only limited to ten minutes duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax it to:

Cillian Flavin
Principal Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Insurance
23rd Floor - Alfred E. Smith Office Building
Albany, New York 12248
E-mail: flavinc@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4311
Fax: (518) 455-7095

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