NYS Seal

ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE

ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH, MENTAL RETARDATION & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

ASSEMBLY SUBCOMMITTEE ON AUTISM RETENTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING


SUBJECT:

Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the management of Autism in New York State with specific attention to early diagnosis and intervention.

Thursday - December 18, 2008
10:00 AM
Chancellor's Hall
State Education Building
89 Washington Ave
(Entrance on Hawk Street)
Albany, NY 12234

TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY


In recent years there has been significant progress in achieving mental health parity in New York State and nationally. However, the ongoing debate over the treatment and coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) poses a significant challenge to lawmakers and the various interest groups.

Early intervention is seen by many as key in combating the pervasiveness of ASD among children. ASDs can be diagnosed at a young age with varying opinions ranging from diagnosis as early as six months to other espousals of diagnoses at three years of age. Behavioral and developmental interventions, speech and occupational therapy and special schooling needs -- even though considered experimental by some -- may prove cost effective in the long run.

The purpose of this hearing is to evaluate programs and treatment options that already exist in this state for children with ASD, as well as evaluating what can be done to improve their living standards and assist families and caregivers with their many burdens, including financial, of dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be by invitation only limited to ten minutes duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Hon. Joseph Morelle
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Insurance

Hon. Peter M. Rivera
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Mental Health,
Mental Retardation, and
Developmental Disabilities

Hon. Mark J. F. Schroeder
Member of Assembly
Chair
Subcommittee on Autism Retention




PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax it to:

Cillian Flavin
Principal Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Insurance
23rd Floor - Alfred E. Smith Office Building
Albany, New York 12248
E-mail: flavinc@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4311
Fax: (518) 455-7095


box I plan to attend the following public hearing on coverage for the early intervention, diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in New York to be conducted by the Assembly Committee on Insurance on December 18, 2008.

box I plan to make a public statement at the hearing. My statement will be limited to 10 minutes, and I will answer any questions which may arise. I will provide 10 copies of my prepared statement.

box I will address my remarks to the following subjects:









box I do not plan to attend the above hearing.

box I would like to be added to the Committee mailing list for notices and reports.

box I would like to be removed from the Committee mailing list.

box

I will require assistance and/or handicapped accessibility information. Please specify the type of assistance required:






NAME:

TITLE:

ORGANIZATION:

ADDRESS:

E-MAIL:

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FAX TELEPHONE:

*** Click here for printable form ***


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