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Prevalence vs. Incidence
- The Huffington Post reports that the percentage of special education students diagnosed with autism in California tripled between 2002 and 2010. (Feb. 4)
- Does this reflect an actual rise in incidence or is the rise in prevalence due to better assessment or possibly even over-diagnosis, incentivized by higher rates of funding?
- Virginia Legislature passes bill that mandates insurers offer autism coverage (Feb. 2, The Washington Post)
- Up to $35,000 for proven therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- Tea Party opposition based on cost to taxpayers
- Highlights the need for accurate diagnosis, skill assessment, and effective therapeutic interventions
- West Virginia passes similar bill (Feb. 5, Charleston Daily Mail)
- Federal government subsidizes care from birth to age 3
- Bill limits cost of care to $30,000/child/year from age 3-6
- Bill limits cost of care to 12,000/child/year from 7-18, which necessitates a more inclusive and less 1:1 intervention strategy
Who Cares?
- Adults with autism are less likely to take into account the intentions of others (Feb 2, U.S. News)
- From Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Jan. 31)
- Outcomes matter more than intentions (Jan 31, myhealthnewsdaily.com)
- When faced with lack-luster services, we have to ask ourselves, "is trying your best good enough when you fail?"
- Are lack-luster services considered neglectful when they willfully ignore their own failings?
- Incompetence can lead to outright abuse
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