Autism

Starting a new school year can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking chapter of any child and their family’s life. But for children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), managing symptoms of autism and anxiety while preparing for the school year can be particularly intense. With the increases in change and new demands each upcoming school year brings, it’s not surprising that many neurodiverse families experience stress and overwhelm around this time.

Raising a child or teenager with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a unique experience filled with both challenging moments and gratifying times. However, the impact of ASD often extends beyond the individual, affecting the entire family unit, in particular siblings. In fact, many neurodiverse families find themselves considering how they can best support their neurotypical children alongside their child with autism for better family dynamics and future outcomes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects millions of individuals worldwide, with the CDC reporting 1 in 36 having the condition. Those with autism commonly present with symptoms including challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. However, due to the varying degrees of ASD and the unique ways it manifests in each person with the condition, short diagnosis times for autism really matter and improve the quality of life for many.

High-Functioning Autism (HFA) is a term some use to characterize individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have average or above-average intelligence. In many cases, these individuals do not experience significant language delays and can also possess unique strengths and capabilities. However, they may still struggle with communication, which can limit their social interactions and general progress.
Additionally, many note that HFA individuals often require less support and demonstrate more autonomy in comparison to those with more profound degrees of ASD. In other cases, because of the way HFA individuals seemingly typically function, some providers overlook or do not diagnose HFA individuals with autism because of their traits.

Despite the proven effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), many families still encounter significant challenges when attempting to obtain insurance coverage for this crucial autism therapy. However, understanding the nuances of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, commonly referred to as the Parity Act, can help families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) advocate for the ABA insurance coverage they require and deserve.