Autism Spectrum Therapies

Check out the newest edition to our video blog series. In this installment Rob offers some practical tips for talking to teens with autism about hygiene.

(Source: autismtherapies.com)

October Autism Insurance Update for California from AST’s Rob Haupt 

(Source: http)

Back To School - Supporting Your Child’s IEP

Back-to-school can be stressful in so many ways. New classrooms, new teachers, new classmates, and often new support personnel.  

Schools can face issues such as teachers or specialists resigning unexpectedly, contracts with agencies being terminated, or a funding cut that hits autism services. Regardless of the issue, you have a right to the services and supports that are in your child’s IEP. It is a legal document. 

A newly updated resource for Autism Speaks can be very helpful in the process.

The revised School Community Tool Kit has been released on the Autism Speaks website. This free document has proven to be a popular and useful resource to families. We encourage you to read through it and consider keeping it handy as your child heads back to school.

Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/school-community-tool-kit

(Source: autismtherapies.com)

Supporting Your Teen in Becoming an Equal Member of Society - Consider a PATH Plan

(Source: autismtherapies.com)

In this newest Video update, Rob introduces us to Dr. Amanda Dahir. Dr. Dahir has just opened AST’s newest location in Houston, Texas, and talks a little about what she is looking forward to making happen there.

(Source: http)

New NAC Antioxidant Study

Below is a link to the study I mentioned at the end of today’s episode of Autism Spectrum Radio.  N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant used for acetaminophen overdose.  The study looks at how NAC may lower irritability in children with autism as well as reducing the children’s repetitive behaviors.  

I want to stress to parents, these are preliminary results and should be viewed cautiously.


http://www.science20.com/news_articles/antioxidants_autism-90568


If you missed today’s show with Daniel Openden, you can listen to the recording on our Radio Shows page.  Dr. Openden is doing remarkable work with is SARRC program.

Important Information Regarding Insurance Coverage for Autism Services in California

At AST we are dedicated to creating great resources and being of service to families. We hope our blog is helpful every week, but for our California families, this information is URGENT. 

As of July 1st California law will require private insurance companies to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorders and to fund services to children on the autism spectrum, including ABA, socialization, and behavioral services. This means Regional Centers become the payor of last resort, and that you must access any insurance available to in order to continue the services your family currently receives. 

To support our families in making this transition we are holding seven different Insurance Workshops .  We strongly encourage all families to attend a workshop in your area to learn the most current information regarding insurance coverage for autism services, how it will impact your Regional Center relationship, and how to prevent interruption in care.  You can find the complete list of dates and locations on our Workshop Page.  Also, check our Facebook page for more updates and information.

In addition to the workshops, on June 12th Autism Spectrum Radio will be dedicated to providing insurance and funding information.  More information can be found on our Radio Show page.

We understand these changes may be confusing, but we are available to assist you and would be happy to explain all the details.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about these upcoming changes.  Call AST’s Insurance Team at 866.278.1520