helping every american with autism achieve their full potential is one ofthis administration’s top priorities. at the u.s. department of health and humanservices, we continue to strive to meet the complex needs of all people withautism spectrum disorders (asd) and their families. while there is no cure,early intervention is critical and can greatly improve a child’sdevelopment.
perhaps the biggest step we’ve taken to support those affected by autismand their families happened over a year ago, with the signing of the affordablecare act. now, new insurance plans are required to cover autism screening anddevelopmental assessments for children at no cost to parents. insurers will alsono longer be allowed to deny children coverage for a pre-existing condition suchas asd or to set arbitrary lifetime or annual limits on benefits.
also, thanks to the new law, young adults are allowed to stay on theirfamily health insurance until they turn 26. for a young adult with autismspectrum disorder and their family, that means peace of mind. it means moreflexibility, more options, and more opportunity to reach their fullpotential.
ultimately, there is more support for americans with autism than everbefore. this means more promise of new breakthroughs that will help usunderstand autism even better. but in order to continue meeting the needs ofpeople with autism, the combating autism act must be fully reauthorized. westill have a long way to go. working collaboratively with important partners,the affordable care act and the combating autism act will allow us to continueimportant research and develop and refine vital treatments.