Licensing Rules Could Hurt Autistic Children

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Some autistic children and their families will suffer because of a state law that requires behavioral specialists to apply for a license in order for insurance to cover their treatment, a local support group said.

"Kids with autism lack the understanding to deal with a disruption or delay of services," said Luciana Randall, executive director of ABOARD'S Autism Connection of PA. "Any progress they have made is going to be interrupted, and in autism, a transition like this means the vast majority will regress behaviorally and emotionally."

Randall estimates there are 14,000 autistic children statewide served by specialists. The Pennsylvania Medicaid Policy Center estimates …