The Autism Society of Santa Barbara in collaboration with it’s community partners is pleased to announce that a FREE parent training on the new Autism Insurance Act which becomes effective July lst, 2012.
We are pleased to be bringing two of the foremost authorities on ASD and health insurance coverage in California to guide parents through this process. Feda Almaliti and Dr. Karen Fessell.
For More information on how to register, please visit our events section for a copy of the flyer and more info.
Training Dates are May 31st 6pm – 8pm in Santa Barbara and June lst – 12:00 – 2:00 pm in Ventura
We hope to see all families, educators and professionals at the training.

New numbers were release today by the CDC regarding the prevalence of autism based on 2008 data.

The new numbers are 1 in 88.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6103a1.htm?s_cid=ss6103a1_w
The increasing rate of autism incidence should serve as an urgent call to action to address one of the most critical issues facing individuals with autism and their families right now: lack of access to affordable and appropriate services.  The behaviors and characteristics associated with autism are treatable.  However, critical services continue to be unavailable to many individuals and their families due to a variety of factors including cost, location, waiting lists, insurance coverage and more.

The Autism Society is uniquely suited to address the needs individuals face nationwide. Autism Society chapters serve communities across the country by providing information and referral services, conferences and workshops, recreational activities and grassroots advocacy.

Please note that a longer statement will be posted on the Autism Society homepage later today and and is planned to be sent in an e-mail to constituents. For more information about the Autism Society’s response, please visit www.autism-society.org.
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    For Your Information

Article on the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and how it will change the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Related Disorders.

 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Dear Autism Parents and supporters:

Today, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 946, the Autism Insurance Mandate Bill, authored by Senator Steinberg, into law.

The new law becomes effective July 1, 2012.  See link below for a copy of the signing bill.

http://gov.ca.gov/docs/SB_946_Signing_Message.pdf

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO SEND A LETTER OF THANKS TO BOTH THE GOVERNOR, SENATOR STEINBERG AND OUR VERY OWN 35th ASSEMBLYMEMBER DAS WILLIAMS, WHO STOOD BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY FLOOR AND SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL.

The Governor can be reached at:

www.gov.ca.gov

Sen. Steinberg can be reached at:

http://sd06.senate.ca.gov/

Assemblymember Das Williams can be reached at:

http://asmdc.org/members/a35/

A special thanks goes out to the Alliance of California Autism Organizations (ACAO) who had the vision and the drive to find and work collaboratively with an author for this bill (Senator Steinberg) and to fight day in and day out to bring us to this incredible day.  A special note of appreciation goes to Kristin Jacobson and Rick Rollens for their endless hours of dedication in bringing our dream to fruition.

Thanks to the thousands of family members and individuals who took the time to call, email and fax the Governor, asking him to sign the bill.  It is because of your support and the love of our children that we have reason to celebrate today.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Marcia Eichelberger

President Autism Society of Santa Barbara

President Autism Society California
ACAO Coordinator