According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
it is estimated that 1 in 110 children in the United States have an
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASDs include autism, high
functioning autism (HFA), Asperger Syndrome (AS) and Pervasive
Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and are
reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
groups.
Resources for
Physicians
- Insurance Coverage for Autism
On August 3, 2010, Governor Patrick signed into law a bill that
will make essential diagnostic tests, medical treatment and
services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders,
including applied behavioral analysis and other critical
interventions that are determined to be medically necessary, more
affordable and accessible for residents of the Commonwealth. The
legislation, "An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism" (HB
4935), goes into effect on January 1, 2011.
Full text of the bill (.pdf, 15 pages) - Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders
MMWR December 18, 2009 / 58(SS10);1-20 Prevalence
of Autism Spectrum Disorders – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring
Network,14 Sites, United States, 2008
MMWR March 30, 2012 / 61(SS03);1-19
- Clinical Report: Identification and Evaluation of
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Free abstract and full text of October 29, 2007 Pediatrics
clinical report. - The National Center for Medical Home Implementation
Autism Information
Resources for pediatricians include a webinar, Caring for
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and a developmental screening algorithm. The
overarching goal of the National Center is to ensure that all
children and youth, including children with special needs, have a
medical home where health care services are accessible,
family-centered, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated,
compassionate, and culturally competent. - Better Bridges: Helping Young Adults with Special
Health Care Needs
Resources for Patients and
Their Families
