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September 24, 2012
Vol. 4, Issue 2
In This Issue
New Research
Urgent Action - ABA
Autism Votes
Free Insurance Workshop!
BACB News
Discount Disney
Help on DSM5
New Book
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Greetings!
 
Fall is a time of change and new beginnings! We hope the return from a long summer is off to a great start!

Disorder of Neuronal Circuits in Autism Is Reversible, New Study Suggests  

Scientists have identified a specific dysfunction in neuronal circuits that is caused by autism. In the journal Science, the scientists also report about their success in reversing these neuronal changes. These findings are an important step in drug development for the treatment for autism. Read more...  

ABA Services for CalPERS/HFP   

Bo Yang, the attorney for the Department of Managed Health Care in California has released information that Blue Shield is willing to cover and arrange for ABA services for any CalPERS/HFP enrollee who requests the services by September 30, 2012 regardless of whether it is an initial request or a request to extend an existing authorization.

Therefore, if parents would like to extend or begin ABA services for their child with autism, it's imperative that these enrollees' providers submit a request for ABA services to Blue Shield by Sept 30. Blue Shield will also be reaching out to its CalPERS/MediCal/HFP members regarding this new development as well. If you have further questions contact Bo Yang at the DMHC Help Center at 916-255-2480.

Autism Votes Launches Advocacy Video

Autism Votes is launching a new video through their advocacy program, Autism Votes, to encourage voters to ask those seeking public office this fall how they will make a difference for those living with autism.   

They are working hard to encourage ALL Americans to interact with candidates at every level to ask this question - at rallies, town halls, on-line through social media and in person. Every person living with autism has a whole army behind them - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, therapists, physicians, teachers, etc. We need to tap into that potential this fall by letting everyone know what we need and want, how they can help and why autism is an important issue to us.

You can help us by taking a couple of minutes to watch the 60 second video below featuring people with autism, parents, siblings and teachers. Then help us spread the word to everyone you know to watch it and ask them to
register at Autism Votes today.   

FREE workshop "Autism and Health Insurance: Making Your Benefits Work for Your Child."  

Find out how to tell if your insurance policy is covered under this new law, what can you expect, steps you should take and more! Find more info here. Presented by Behavior Frontiers Founder & Executive Director, Helen Mader, M.A., B.C.B.A.  

WHEN: Monday, Oct 8th 6-8 pm
WHERE: Sky High Sports, 3230 Cornerstone Dr, Mira Loma

More info & RSVP here 

 
BACB Publishes Guidelines for Health Plan Coverage of ABA for Autism   
On September 11, 2012, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) announced the publication of its new practice guidelines document: Health Plan Coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The guidelines were developed to provide guidance to health plans, consumers, and providers so that individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder receive applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment consistent with the best available scientific evidence and expert clinical opinion. This project was prompted by the recent passage of autism-insurance legislation in multiple states, which has left numerous insurers with a need to develop an infrastructure for defining and funding ABA treatment. Read the guidelines here.

Disney Offers Discounted Tickets for Residents with Permanent Disabilities  

Disneyland has a program for California residents who have permanent disabilities. They offer discounted tickets for specific dates each year. In 2013 the Tickets will be available for select weeks in January and February. Click here for instructions!

Need Help on DSM5 Survey           

A coalition of groups within the autism community is extremely concerned about potential impacts of the proposed criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5th Edition.  The new criteria are supposed to be finalized by December 2012 for May 2013 publication. Since February 2012, five studies have been published indicating that the proposed DSM-5 ASD criteria will significantly reduce the number of people diagnosed with ASD compared to the current DSM-IVTR criteria.

 

SafeMinds and the Holland Center want to collect and analyze much more data on the proposed criteria through an online survey to assess its impact on autism diagnosis in the community. This survey can be used by any clinician who speaks English anywhere in the world. Cases are needed urgently given the tight time frame for publication of the proposed criteria! Please help us spread this letter and this link to any clinician who diagnoses people with autism.
 

New Book Aims to Help Men with Asperger's Syndrome with Dating and Relationships   

What Men with Asperger's Syndrome Want to Know about Women, Dating and Relationships is an illustrated handbook that provides the answers to men with Asperger's syndrome's most frequently asked questions about women, dating and relationships.  Click here for info 


Thank you for taking time to read the Behavior Frontiers newsletter. We are dedicated to bringing you the most up to date information in the field of ABA therapy. Whether you are a parent in need of services for your child or a professional dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism and other special needs, we look forward to working with you! Please give us a call or send us an email with any questions, comments, suggestions or needs you may have.

For more information please contact Helen Mader, Behavior Frontiers' Executive Director at:

Phone: 310-856-0800
Fax: 310-324-3134

Behavior Frontiers is contracted with various health insurance plans, school districts, and regional centers. If you have any questions about our service locations, call our main toll free number at 1-888-922-2843 or visit us at  behaviorfrontiers.com
Behavior Frontiers | 18726 S. Western Avenue | Los Angeles, California 90248

888-922-2843