New law requires companies to cover autism treatment for children of employees

By Staff Writer

Many parents of autistic children struggle financially to properly care for their children. However, this week, the Virginia House passed legislation that requires some employer health care plans to cover treatment for autistic children, The Associated Press reports.

The law, which won by a vote of 74-24, has been advocated by parents for more than 11 years. Lavada Robertson, the parent of an autistic child, told the news source that this is not a partisan issue, it is an "everybody" issue.

As a result of the legislation, companies that employ more than 50 people and state governments are required to cover their employees for up to $35,000 in annual benefits. This covers applied behavior analysis, which experts say is the most effective and promising treatment for autistic children, according to the news source.

The cost for this program, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars, inhibits many families from trying the treatment, and has put others in debt.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an autism spectrum disorder.