Autism measures set stage for major legislative battle

House Democrats vow to continue trying to require insurance companies to provide treatment for autistic children in what likely will be a major battle this legislative session.

Leaders in the Republican-controlled House, who last year did not take up measures dealing with the growing number of autistic children in the state, are suggesting more therapists and specialists would be a better solution than mandated coverage.

"I’m gratified to see that the speaker is aware of at least some of the challenges Oklahoma families face in seeking care for their autistic children,” said Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah.

House Republicans are proposing enacting a licensing process for national board-certified behavioral analysts and expanding state programs that train doctors to diagnose and treat autism.

"Currently, there is a huge imbalance between supply and demand,” said House Speaker Chris Benge. "We have only a few true providers in Oklahoma, but potentially thousands of children needing services.”

Study cites shortage

During a 2008 House legislative study, lawmakers were told a shortage of trained providers has made it difficult for families to obtain autism services even when they have state assistance.

A pilot program that ended last year provided families $12,360 a year to obtain autism-related services. Much of the money went unspent because there were not enough professionals trained to work with children with autism, said Jim Nicholson, director of the developmental disabilities division of the state Department of Human Services.

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