Kudos to Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois. He is standing up for children with autism:

“SPRINGFIELD — Governor Rod Blagojevich is rewriting a House bill so autism treatments are covered by insurance.

Blagojevich and other proponents wants insurance companies to be required to cover up to $36,000 a year for diagnosis and treatment, including speech therapy and psychiatric services.”

link: Blagojevich rewrites bill for autism coverage

This legislation gives children with autism a chance. The needed therapeutic intervention is required early and it is costly. It is beyond the means of the average family. Without the financial assistance of insurance companies, parents have a choice between necessary treatment for their child and monumental financial risks. With early professional intervention, the autistic children have a chance at independence.

Well done, Governor; the children of Illinois and their families owe you a huge “thank you”. Now make sure that the legislation passes into law.

Catherine Forsythe