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UPDATE:  Changes to ASD Diagnosis in the DSM

January 23, 2012 

The new diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are due to be released in 2013, but recent media coverage has everyone buzzing. 

Is it BROADER?  Is it more RESTRICTIVE?  What will HAPPEN to those who already have a dx?  Is the APERGER'S dx going to cease to exist?  Many questions are circling regarding the upcoming changes. 

The proposed controversial criteria for DSM-5 are posted on the DSM-5 website and will be open for additional public comment this spring. In the meantime, do some reading and form your own educated opinion!

LINKS:

APA Press Release  :  The Jan 20, 2012 press release from the American Psychiatric Association that has caused the sudden flurry of discussion

DSM-5 :  READ the proposed revision and its rational from the APA

NY Times articles: 

New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests,       Jan 20, 2012,   By B. Carey

A Specialists’ Debate on Autism Has Many Worried Observers
Jan 20, 2012, By A. Harmon

FAQ about the new diagnosis categories at About Autism.com

OLDER UPDATES ...

May 20, 2011

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE :  THE BUZZ at the Capitol (END OF SESSION report)


JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri General Assembly finished up on May 15, with most of the work being finalized in the last week - as it is every session.  It seems that deadlines make everyone more willing to compromise and from the flurry of activity, here are some notable items that emerged.

DISABILITIES OMNIBUS BILL:  HB 555 passed unanimously in both chambers, the General Assembly's first disability omnibus bill from the newly formed House committee Special Standing Committee on Disability Services. It was aptly nicknamed the Missouri MVP (Most Vulnerable Persons) Act.  

Key Provisions include: 

- Creates new protections of parental rights for individuals with disabilities

- Designates October as Disability History & Awareness month in public schools

-Requires new parking signs to use "Accessible Parking" and removes references to "handicapped" (only applies to NEW signage, not existing)

-Changes wordage in state law to use "developmentally disabled / intellectually disabled / disabled" and removes all references to "mental retardation / handicapped"

-Adds a mental health professional and a nurse to MO HealthNet oversight board

(BUZZ:  Don’t forget to thank bill sponsor & committee chairman Rep. Jeff Grisamore, and Senate handler Sen. Eric Schmitt.)


WAIT LIST:  Within the state budget, funding was secured to address Missouri's "Wait List" for services from DMH (Dept. of Mental Health).  The $12.8 million allocation is expected to serve nearly 1300 people by removing them from the "wait list".  Families should contact their service coordinators to find out their UR (Utilization review) / P.O.N. score (Priority of Needs) to see if they will be affected.  
(BUZZ:  Kudos to the special needs / disability community advocates for their work! )


INSURANCE:  A bill which would have required insurance companies to speed up the credentialing process after receiving a provider’s application DID NOT pass.  (BUZZ:  We still need more info on the number of families who are able to use the new autism benefits, and on the number of providers who are successfully billing!)

FEDERAL HEALTH CARE:  A few bills were taken up regarding federal health care regulations in Missouri. 
Interstate Health Care Compact bill DID pass,which allows MO to enter into a multi-state compact, whose members determine their own health care policies regardless of the federal government. This is an attempt to avoid federal regulation.

Tthe Health Insurance Exchange bill DID NOT pass, which would have enacted a statewide exchange for the purchasing of insurance for individuals and small businesses. We will see this again, because states have until 2013 to establish an exchange, the federal government will do it for them. 

  (Buzz:  One reason it met resistance was the proposed commission to run it was to be dominated insurance industry. )


written by G. Luetkemeyer, Jefferson City

APRIL 21, 2011

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE :  THE BUZZ at the Capitol

Jefferson City

April 6 - A huge "THANKS" to all the families, providers, and professionals who represented the autism community on Autism Awareness Day at the Capitol.  From the legislative briefing on the windy Capitol front steps to the end-of-day Rally in the Rotunda, we enjoyed the smiling faces of those who came to "walk the halls". The Autism Projects and providers from across the state did a bang-up job with the displays for the Third Floor Rotunda!  Hope to see even more next year!

JEFFERSON CITY:  May 13 is the last day of the Missouri General Assembly’s 2011 legislative session. Over 2,000 bills have already been filed this session, but the craziness is now over and the dust is settling, as the few bills that are viable for this session have made it through the committee process, and are now being debated or are crossing chambers.  The main topics that have dominated the session, in no particular order, seem to be:  dollars, maps, and puppies.

DOLLARS: As is true in every session, budget is always a focal point.  The Missouri state constitution requires a balanced budget, so every year, it is tweaked to make expenditures match up with anticipated revenue.  The House’s version of the budget is nearly $700 million lower than last year’s.  The appropriations bills (which make up the state budget) are now in the Senate. With the passing of the Senate’s version is passed, the differences will be worked out in committee. The autism community usually looks to mental health appropriation bills to gauge impact.  Appropriation bills have a deadline of May 6 to be “Truly Agreed and Finally Passed”, so budget will take priority as this deadline approaches.

MAPS: Redistricting is an issue that rolls around only every so often, but when it does, it tends to bring out the ugly side of politics.  According to new census numbers, Missouri is losing a congressional seat in the US House of Representatives, taking us from 9 congressional districts down to 8, hence the need for “redistricting”.  This process is completely partisan, with the majority party dominating the process and the outcome. This issue will pit party members against each other in territorial control battles. More drama sure to come here, as the Senate has drafted a completely different plan than the House version that recently passed. 

PUPPIES: Proposition B: to revise or not to revise, and HOW to revise; that has been the question. For any of you following this issue, notice the mind-boggling $MONEY$ spent on lobbying on both sides of this issue. Those of us who care about KIDS should try and find out how to get our organizations as well-funded as the puppy protection crusades! 

AUTISM COMMUNITY UPDATES: HB 555:  The House’s new committee on Disability Services, chaired by Rep. Jeff Grisamore, has successfully passed an omnibus bill out of the House. HB 555 would change many current laws concerning disabilities and add new provisions. Under this legislation, the disability or disease of an individual cannot be the basis for termination of parental rights. Also, all references of "mentally retarded," "mental retardation," or "handicapped" in current state law are changed to "developmentally disabled," "developmental disability," or "disabled", respectively. Similarly, all new parking signs erected related to disabled parking must state "Accessible Parking."  This bill also authorizes a check-off box for the Developmental Disabilities Waiting List Equity Trust Fund to be added to state income forms, and designates October as "Disability History and Awareness Month" in all public schools.

HEALTH CARE NOT in the HEADLINES:  While some still wonder and argue IF we will implement federal health care reform in Missouri, activity has quietly begun in response to the federal Affordable Care Act. There are two related bills filed and several new committees.

HB609 forms a state heath insurance exchanges, which will provide new insurance plan options for small employers and individuals and will replace the MO high-risk pool.
HB423 is a state health care compact, which would allow Missouri to enter a multi-state agreement to basically sidestep federal authority on healthcare. 

But in the near future will come the defining of "Essential Health Benefits" for Missouri.  This will be of utmost importance and interest to the autism community.

With the autism community still trying to figure out how to access the newly legislated autism benefits in Missouri, talk of health care overhaul is abstract, at best, but these discussions warrant close monitoring.  The autism community has unique healthcare concerns and issues that most likely will NOT be considered in these behind-the-scenes discussions, unless we advocate!

When talking with YOUR legislators, let them know you are looking to them for guidance and for representation; a seat at the table for real families.  Most of the “seats at the table” of the committees are taken by insurance lobbyists - not exactly looking out for families, as we well know.

IN YOUR COMMUNITIES: Find out if YOUR county is participating in the Missouri community "Partnership" waiver!  Through the "Partnership for Hope" waiver, individuals can receive up to $12,000 in services per year. Funding is provided through a "partnership" with county developmental disability boards, MO's Department of Mental Health, and matching federal dollars we as an individual, access these monies from Medicare/Medicaid Services.  Application process begins with your case manager and/or county disability board / SB40 Board.  Contact them to find out if your county is participating!

written by G. Luetkemeyer, Jefferson City