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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Charlie Vander Aarde 651-297-8406
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NORTON KEYNOTES AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT CAPITOL
(ST. PAUL) – State Representative Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) gave the keynote address during Autism Awareness Day at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul today.
“I am honored to join the Autism Advocacy Coalition of Minnesota – parents, providers and advocates – to raise awareness of autism in our state," said Norton. “If we all stand together to let people know about autism, its effect on children and their families, and work together to make appropriate treatment available early, we will have done a great service.”
The theme of the today’s event is “Stand Up, and Speak Out!” It was organized by the Autism Advocacy Coalition of Minnesota.
Rep. Norton is the author of House File 1071 which requires state regulated insurance companies to provide coverage for medically prescribed, evidence based treatment for children with autism. This includes diagnosis, evaluation, and medically necessary treatment, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism.
Autism affects 1 in 100 children in the U.S., 1 in 70 U.S. Somali children, and affects boys much more often than girls. The cause is as yet unknown. “Parents who have and pay for insurance plans, deserve to have their child’s treatment covered after diagnosis,” said Norton. “Too often, families learn their insurance plan will not cover the recommended ABA (or other) treatment and they are forced to purchase and pay an additional premium for a state health plan-Medical Assistance/TEFRA. I am carrying this important bill to assure the vital early intensive treatments prescribed are not turned down by a family’s health insurance company.”
Norton noted the progress that can be made through treatment and therapy. “Through early intervention, medical treatment and effective therapy, kids can excel,” said Norton.
Autism Awareness Day is sponsored by: Autism Advocacy and Law Center, RT Autism Awareness, Holland Autism Center & Biomedical Clinic, C.A.D.E. Children with Autism Deserve Education, Southern MN Autism Coalition (SMAC), Rochester Center for Autism, Minnesota Early Autism Project (MEAP), Minnesota Autism Center (MAC), Behavioral Dimensions, Courage Center, Autism Speaks, ARC of Twin Cities, Parents United Against Autism , Minnesota Autism Society, Lovaas Institute Midwest, Fraser, and Therapy Junction.
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