tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314537101656048652.post4557660001547493161..comments2023-07-07T05:11:18.656-05:00Comments on Combating Autism from Within: Story Idea-insuranceJen Lee Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00856414916998968805noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314537101656048652.post-86982548895150542172007-11-01T21:57:00.000-05:002007-11-01T21:57:00.000-05:00I understand your frustration. My son was diagnos...I understand your frustration. My son was diagnosed early. I've heard a million times over to "get an early diagnosis for the best prognosis". But where will the money come from to pay for the therapies? All the coverage that autism is getting, yet I've not heard a word about the outrageous cost of treatment. An early diagnosis doesn't mean anything if you cannot afford it. And sadly many cannot afford it. <BR/><BR/><BR/>A very minimal 4 hours of ABA per week (which worked wonders for our son till we ran out of money) runs $16,000 - $18,000 per year. Out of pocket. <BR/><BR/>For me, the expense of treating autism makes me sad every day. Because having enough money to pay for effective therapy could mean all the difference in my son's future; living a very difficult life or living a good life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314537101656048652.post-72971016425334681922007-10-30T21:23:00.000-05:002007-10-30T21:23:00.000-05:00Actually, there is very little empirical support f...Actually, there is very little empirical support for ABA. It's far from proven.<BR/><BR/>Richard, what kind of treatments cost you $30,000? Are you talking about bil-med treatments, or behavioral therapies?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314537101656048652.post-26435122161761739782007-10-30T21:14:00.000-05:002007-10-30T21:14:00.000-05:00Amen Richard.There is ONE bona fide, proven via st...Amen Richard.<BR/>There is ONE bona fide, proven via study after study treatment for autism. ABA therapy. It is not "alternative" - it is the only accepted treatment. Some kids have been 'recovered' using only intensive ABA therapy. Why is there no insurance coverage for ABA? Schools pick it up at age three - but is that too late? Has the window closed? And not every school can provide it. ABA is an intensive, one-on-one therapy that needs to be intensive (20+ hours a week). That is a little expensive and would hurt the insurance companies pockets.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com