Imagine that!
Republicans siding with the insurance companies rather than sick kids.
How did Cynthia Davis vote?
Oh, we’ll never know.

Autism is a good motivator.

Autism is the latest “catch all” diagnosis. If doctors/educators don’t know what it is that is afflicting a child, they call it autism. Look at the rate of kids being diagnosed as autistic. No insurance company nor taxpayer can afford to pick up the tab for this one! Sorry parents. You’re going to have to step up to the plate on this one.

Sorry, Sid. You’re an idiot. You try raising a child that is afraid of food and unable to communicate what he wants/needs and get back to me on how you feel about an autism diagnosis. Fortunately, the state of Missouri is among the nation’s leaders on support for families with special needs children. I have no idea what this bill is about, but I do know that we have been able to receive a wealth of services for my son without paying much out of pocket. As a taxpayer, it is nice to see that my state is stepping up to the plate and I’m seeing benefit from my tax dollars.

I’ll side with Sid on this one. 90% of ‘autistic’ kids aren’t autistic. If every kid reacted to everything exactly the same, it would be a boring life. That’s why everyone is different. Doesn’t mean they’re autistic, it just means they’re kids and they’re adapting to live and environmental variables differently.

Based on personal experience with mental illness I was relieved when my child was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, if it was autism we would have never been able to pay the bills, and we have dual insurance. I gurantee if one of these people had a child that was autistic or was another type of mental illness consumer they would change their tune. I voted for Cynthia Davis and I am watching her and everyone else who has a chance to do the right thing.

Sid and Kaos77 are spoken like true morons who have no idea what it is like to have a special needs child. Once again appranelty its easier for ignorant people to wrap their small minds around a child in a wheel chair than one with mental illness.

I understand parent’s concern’s regarding their children when they are afflicted with certain conditions and illnesses. But I do not think the government has the right to dictate. Nor, as a taxpayer, should I be burdened with other people’s children’s cost for care. I work 50 hours a week spent 85,000 for my education, worked full time and went to school full time for 7 years year round with 800 a month in school loan payments. I don’t have anymore to give. My father had alzheimers for 9 years before he died and the government did not do sh*t for me to help him out. And medicare was a joke as well as his supplemental insurance. The only option they gave us was to put him some sh*tty nursing home medicare bed.

“90% of autistic kids are not autistic”

You’ve got to be kidding me. Your ignorance is laughable. Stick to commenting on things you have the slightest idea about. This is obviously not one of them.

It would seem that treating kids in the early stages of a disease, such as autism, would be more beneficial to society than to allow the illness to exacerbate to the point where adolescent or adult treatment would be far more costly, not to mention the social problems that untreated mental illness causes until treatment is administered.

This would also apply to physical ailments that left untreated create huge medical costs further down the road not just for the parents, but all of us.

When it comes to mental and physical health we are all in this together. We all pay for our negligence through higher insurance costs or taxes. Better for the patient and the rest of us to receive an early diagnosis and begin treatment than to wait.

The insurance companies can provide coverage for treatment at the earliest possible time or our school systems can be burden with growing special education costs because children weren’t able to get therapies prior to school age at the time they would help the most.

As a parent of a special needs child who’s MULTIPLE diagnosis mimic autism in many ways, I have been there. We had to CHOOSE between getting additional therapy and more help for one child or financial security for my other child and the family as a whole. We could not afford the extra 2 hours of speech therapy a week or the extra two hours of occupational therapy each week at a cost of $100 per hour for each and NO insurance coverage for it. For those that care, that is $400.00 a week at a yearly cost of over $20,000 NONE covered by insurance (which insurance would have cost about $35 to the isurance company per hour for a total of $7,280).

That doesn’t even begin to account the costs for a moderately delayed child. ABA is at least 20-25k a year, then you will have speech, ot, and maybe pt on top of that.

I hear 90% of people posting under the names of sid and kaos77 are morons who know nothing about autism. And I would like to express my sympathy to maxpain for voting for Cynthia Davis. She doesn’t want to help feed hungry children, so it’s probably unlikely she will want to help children with autism.

I’ve got to agree with most of the posters on here and say that, while yes, it would be nice to have every autistic person covered by insurance, the truth is that the rest of us just cannot afford to pay your child’s bills. It’s sad, but there are private charities to help people with these problems. I don’t know about 90% of autism cases being misdiagnoses, that seems a bit high, but imagine how much higher that number will be if insurance companies are mandated to pay for it. Anything and everything that’s not covered will be diagnosed as ‘autism’ so the bills can be paid. And since they’re being paid with someone else’s money, nobody cares what it costs.

Taxpayer - Sorry to hear about your father, but don’t blame the government. Blame the those in Congress who pass the laws and the insurance companies and health industry that limit the choice we have in these situations. Your example is exactly why we need a public option health plan to increase competition and improve catastrophic treatment for all in need.

And although you don’t want to pay for other sick people, you already do. That’s what the whole concept of insurance is about. It’s unfortunate that under our system it’s the insurance companies that call the shot on treatment and not your doctors. Rationed care is already here.

““90% of autistic kids are not autistic”

You’ve got to be kidding me. Your ignorance is laughable. Stick to commenting on things you have the slightest idea about. This is obviously not one of them.”

Actually, while that number of 90% is exaggerated, the way the CDC generates the number of children with autism is false. They use medical records and diagnosis listed in school records AND each states report on the number of children in each special education classification. The problem with this is that the Educational Autism classification has nothing to do with the medical diagnosis of Autism. Thus a child like mine, who is classified under Special Education as Educational Autism, but has a medical diagnosis that specifically rules out autism (and is not autistic) is included in Missouri’s report to the CDC as a child with autism despite not meeting the medical definition of autism under the DSM IV (and doesn’t even really come close)

Goat Daddy hit the nail on the head. Early treatment is key to help autistic children develop into regular “taxpaying” members of society. We were told early on that it was important to get my son some type of diagnosis because it opens up so many more options. We still don’t know whether he has Aspergers Syndrome or high-functioning autism, but it is quite clear that he has more than sensory integration disorder. Fortunately, we were advised to have him evaluated by Missouri First Steps when he was about a year-and-a-half old and he was accepted due to significant developmental delays in a number of areas. We have been able to get a lot of services through First Steps, but I feel sorry for the parents that don’t get early help, as First Steps coverage ends when he turns three. Fortunately, the Rockwood Early Childhood program will take over his therapy at that point, so we are blessed to live in an excellent school district. I can’t imagine how difficult this would be if we had to pay for all of his therapy ourselves, so I truly sympathize with all of those parents who are struggling with medical bills. And I don’t know what to say to all of you heartless people who have the “autism is a myth” or “not my tax dollars” attitudes, except that you had better not consider yourselves to be good Christians, because you clearly have no compassion.

cjstl - What, exactly, is unChristian about not wanting people to be robbed for things they do not agree to pay for? I would think that is the very definition of Christianity. Many of the people on here saying “not my tax dollars” are private donors to charities. Many of which help children with developmental disorders. What is wrong with only having people who agree to pay for someone else’s care actually pay for it?

California Billions in debt. Illinois Billions in debt. Missouri soon to follow down the same path. Everything should be free make Corps pay all the taxes, make insurance companies pay all the costs. Life should be free.

Excuse me but Autism is not a catch all. That just goes to show how under-educated people truly are on the diagnosis. It takes six months to a year of deep research into a childs life plus a stack of papers from multiple sources about the child. There is no “treatment” for these kids and the amount of money that goes out to help them is out of this world. So why would someone want to “diagnosis” someone with this disorder and then take on all it entails if it wasn’t true. I know, I married someone with ASD, and have three high functioning kids with it plus two without it. I also teach and train the south west region of IL on it; people from educators, first responders, medical, as well as politicians. If you have no clue then keep your uneducated opinions to yourself.

“It’s all about me and you and your family are out of luck” attitude is decidedly unChristian. I’m probably biased because I have a special needs child, but I can’t think of many better uses for my tax dollars than helping disadvantaged children become healthy, functioning members of society. It’s not like you’re being asked to fund abortion here! You’re being asked to help autistic children learn to communicate and interact with others. And I’ll tell you what is wrong with only having people who agree to pay for someone else’s care actually pay for it - the people in need far outnumber those generous enough to help pay for their care. That is exactly why we need government mandates for things like this.

Lin - There is no “treatment” for these kids? You’ve got to be kidding! I would think someone with three HFA kids would know better than that. The amount of progress my son made with just three weeks of ABA is astonishing. I can’t tell you how good it feels to see him so happy to actually be able to ask for something he wants. I feel like he made more progress in that class than he has after more than a year of speech, occupational and developmental therapies. While the symptoms are multifaceted, autism is a communication disorder. And it can certainly be treated.

When benefits are mandated, insurance premiums go up. That is why we have uninsured people. Individuals and employers cannot afford to pay premiums. I am all for kids getting help but we have to look at the big picture and what it does to the cost. For example, Illinois passed a mandate that insurance companies HAVE to cover infertility up to $10,000. That is ludicrous! I should not have to pay for someone that cannot have children but I am forced to do it. There is no a perfect solution and I am sure I would be singing a different tune if I or my family had a medical issue not covered by insurance. However, I do not want the federal government getting in the game which Nixon and Obama are trying to do. Look at Medicare, it is in shambles and that is government sponsored health insurance or universal health care.

cjstl - If the supply of money outweighs the demands, then ask for more. Get involved in fundraising. But don’t mandate that everyone pay for it. I understand the costs are high, but that doesn’t entitle you to rob a bank to get the money to help your child, does it?

I wonder if the bill has any provisions for adults with autism? A good friend of ours is at her wits end with her 25 year old autistic daughter. No one is willing to help since the girl is over 21 and the state she lives in doesn’t recognize autism as a mental health issue.

The point that all of you are missing is that without insurance coverage, without treatment, these kids have a much larger drain on society and taxpayers without insurance coverage and thus less treatment then the cost of possible increase in insurance premiums with coverage.

Instead of possible increased health premiums, you will have increase property taxes to pay for education of these children, increased state taxes to pay for medicaid for these children, increased drain on social security as they become adults and claim disability benefits, increased crime and costs of housing those that commit crimes, increased substance abuse from thsoe trying to deal with their disability this way.. etc…

Its all about choices

I am on the fence but what I can say is that I think Jenny McCartney is FULL OF IT if she thinks that she cured her son. She is not a doctor or anything close to it. If she truly “CURED” him then why aren’t more parents with autistic children following her? I think that there needs to be a bill passed for testing to see what is causing this also.

Its odd that the increase in children with things as small as allergies and the increase in children with things as large as autism seems to coincide with the increase in the amount of stimulants given to our crops and our meat and dairy producing animals…

Ron Richard is good at his job…screwing over Missourians who need legitimate help.

Sid and Kaos are complete idiots who have not a clue about autism or how kids are affected. My cousin has a son who is almost 10 who was diagnosed at about age 4 after he pulled a hunk of his hair out!!! These kids are more than just peculiar and need services that most insurances wont pay for. He has treatments that he has been getting at about $500 a month that have completely turned this child around. He used to lay on the floor and play with his toys and completely ignore the world around him while other kids ran through the house and jumped over him!. He now not only acknowledges people, he will sit and talk to you! He interacts with others and is in regular school. His “meltdowns” are much less often and less severe. His parents can afford it (thank god) but most cant. I would rather use my tax dollars helping kids like him than wasting it on those stupid mailings or other “pet projects” of useless politicians.

Governor Nixon should be commend for his compassion. But it is only a band aid. We would be better off if he instead used his soap box to campaign for a National health care solution. If we had 50 governors, and 50 houses passing resolutions urging congress to act, maybe they would get the message.

1) Isn’t it curious that Mr. Nixon has done for special education advocacy than Ms Palin. That’s what governors who don’t quit are supposed to do.
2) How would these anti-government protect-the-insurance-companies Mo. republicans vote if their new hero, Ms Palin, was supporting it?

National Mandate is coming. There IS a Rising Autism Pandemic Evolution. TannersDad Tim Welsh Autism Advocate

It’s easy to be “compassionate” when you’re spending other people’s money. What the governor and supporters of unfunded insurance mandates like this are simply doing is forcing others to pay for things they don’t have the political courage to do themselves while wrapping themselves up in a mantle of moral superiority.

If treating autism is so important, supporters in the legislature should make the argument rationally and come up with the funds for it from general revenue. Using kids as human shields and pretending that only the evil insurance company execs will have to pay is dishonest to say the least.

All I have to say is, if you pick one medical condition, then pick them all. Period. Then watch healthcare costs skyrocket. Between our tax obligation and healthcare costs, we will not have anything left over. Lib pukes want every nickel of our money. If you want to live under socialism, go to France. Our government was designed to provide basic services and defense. It is not suppose to be everythig for everyone. Amazing how lib pukes who have nothing want everyone who does to support them. Do I sound uncaring, probably. I feel terrible that families have loved ones with various medical conditions, but that is part of life. I have had several in mine. But we did not cry and whine about it. We just took care of them ourselves, financially and otherwise.

Enjoy it now.

I’ve never before seen a time when insurance companies are championed like they actually help.

Remember this: Insurance companies are FOR PROFIT. They charge everyone a monthly fee so that when you need medical assistance it won’t cost as much. Then they fight to NOT pay you when you need medical assistance.

Anyone siding with this concept in any way shape or manner needs help. Medical help.

Good luck getting your insurance to pay for it.

I want morons like Sid and kaos77 to spend one day with my son. One day. If you have the courage. But you don’t. You wouldn’t last until lunch. Wimps.

You’re the same people that fight for the “free market.” Well, cowards, the free market is about unleash itself on your elected leaders and send them packing. The free market just might keep rolling on to the insurance industry and outlaw their illness-for-profit businesses.

See, Sid, you tool, if your child was dealing with this mystery and you needed help, I would wouldn’t bat an eye at chipping in to find a solution. See, Sid, if your kid has a problem today, others might face the same one tomorrow. And if we solve it for yours, we can solve it for others.

Strong people, brave people, Sid, see a challenge and face it. Together.

If you ever “step up to plate” (like you ever have), wear a helmet because people who deal with Autism might try to knock some sense into you.

Go Jay Nixon!

Hypocrisy, false moral superiority, and childish insults. Way to build support for your cause.

The argument that our children are taking away from the education of typical children gets old. When I complained about the $12 million aquatic center that our district just built, parents of the 300 members of the swim team felt that I was taking away something that their child needed. I tried to point out that while a new aquatic center is nice; it doesn’t equal my child’s need to receive services that will make him a productive citizen.

Let’s change the argument. Let’s say that public education will no longer include math. Now we know that many kids need math to get by in life, but so many kids are gifted in that area that we have found that it is a waste of tax payers money to teach math just because all of our students are not gifted. It could be said that teaching math is taking money away from those students that really don’t need instruction in math. What would the general public say about that? Would they be outraged? Would they demand that their child receive a free and appropriate education? Welcome to our world. We are only asking for what our children need to become tax paying citizens instead of a being a burden on tax payers.

Our school districts aren’t doing their jobs and so we have to depend on insurance to provide the services that the State of Missouri does not DEMAND that the school districts provide.

By the way. Did anyone research what this would cost before you started battling? Did you know that the cost would be less than $1 per month? Is that too much? What else would you like to see cut? No chemo for cancer patients? No insulin for diabetics? No glasses for the near sighted? Where do you draw the line? Is it when no one in your family is affected?