Behavioral Learning Network

I’m going to do something that’s frowned upon in the autism community. I’m going to say something on behalf of my nonverbal son.

Autism isn’t a superpower for Charlie. Charlie is a superhero because of how hard he fights to do the easy stuff, to which most don’t give a second thought.

If Charlie could communicate beyond basic needs, I believe he’d tell us that for him, autism is not a superpower.

Because I witness firsthand his distress when he can’t make himself understood.

Because I see the scratches on his body from the resulting frustration.

Because I see the confusion in his eyes when I stop him from eating inedible items. Or running into the street.

I know it because he’s my son. Not because I’m also autistic. Because I love him. Because I care for him every day and will likely do so for the rest of my life. I know it because I’m his mommy.

Governor Brown vetoed a bill that would have lowered the standards necessary for people to provide behavioral intervention for people with autism, and would have opened the door for non-evidence based approaches. Way to go Governor Brown!!!

Today Governor Brown vetoed SB 399 stating "This bill would revise qualification standards for providers of behavioral health treatment for individuals with autism. Standards for autism providers were updated last year. I'm not inclined to revise them again."

This beautifully written tribute to Dr. Tristram Smith from Scott Wright is a must read. Such beautiful memories about two giants in our field, Tris Smith and Ivar Lovaas.

Way to go North Dakota!

North Dakota Becomes 48th State to Require Autism Insurance Coverage North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread announced that all state-regulated plans that have mental health coverage will be required to cover treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).