The General Assembly passed a bill that requires health insurers to cover the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and applied behavior analysis treatment for children ages 2 to 6, subject to an annual maximum benefit of $35,000. The bill exempts individual or small group policies. For four years, the Virginia Autism Project pushed to get the law passed. Now, it awaits Gov. Bob McDonnell's signature to make it law. Dr. John Harrington, who has researched autism treatments and is director of general academic pediatrics at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and Mark Llobell, a Virginia Beach man whose grandson has autism and founding member of the Virginia Autism Project, joined a live web chat Wednesday, March 2, at noon.

 Autism: Ask experts about diagnosis, treatment and potential General Assembly legislation(03/02/2011) 
11:50
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Hi, and welcome to today's live Web chat about autism spectrum disorders diagnosis, treatment and pending General Assembly legislation. We'll begin at noon.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:50 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
11:51
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Meanwhile, you can catch up on this story by reading this:
http://www.dailypress.com/health/dp-nws-autism-mcdonnell-20110301,0,418553.story
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:51 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
11:51
John Harrington: 
Hi Veronica I have signed on
John
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:51 John Harrington
11:52
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Dr. Harrington, glad you're here. We'll begin in a bit. Thanks!
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:52 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
11:53
John Harrington: 
Here is my tag line if you need it
John Harrington MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
EVMS
Division Director of General Academic Pediatrics
CHKD
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:53 John Harrington
11:53
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Here's more background information -- a story about an 18-year-old with autism who testified before the General Assembly: http://www.dailypress.com/health/dp-nws-cp-autism-20110228,0,655163.story
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:53 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
11:54
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
You can also read the letter he sent to delegates: http://www.dailypress.com/health/dp-nws-autism-letter-20110228,0,3283667.story

And watch a video of him addressing a General Assembly committee:
http://www.dailypress.com/health/dp-video-watch-robert-maino-testify-before-the-general-assembly-about-autism-20110301,0,2080760.htmlstory
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:54 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
11:56
John Harrington: 
My IS is not letting me connect to these sites
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:56 John Harrington
11:56
Mark Llobell: 
Mark is online and ready
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:56 Mark Llobell
11:57
John Harrington: 
Is Mark from Autism Speaks?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:57 John Harrington
11:58
Mark Llobell: 
Dr Harrington, Good morning I have recently met with Dr Deustch and Dr Urbano in your facility. I am a grandparent of a child with with Autism who you have met.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:58 Mark Llobell
11:59
Mark Llobell: 
I believe we met when Mark III was 2 and we were looking for a diagnosis. He is 6 at present
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:59 Mark Llobell
11:59
John Harrington: 
My memory is already fading :)
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:59 John Harrington
11:59
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Mark, welcome. Thank you for joining us. Mark Llobell is a founding member of the Virginia Autism Project.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:59 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
11:59
Mark Llobell: 
Yes I am right their with you
Wednesday March 2, 2011 11:59 Mark Llobell
12:00
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
OK, readers, our two panelists are ready to take your questions. Fire away!
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:00 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:00
Mark Llobell: 
Hello Veronica
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:00 Mark Llobell
12:00
John Harrington: 
Hello Veronica
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:00 John Harrington
12:01
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Hi! Thanks for joining us, panelists. The first question was emailed in by Nicole:

Can you ask them why age 6 is the cap for the treatment coverage? Children over 6 can still benefit from ABA therapy.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:01 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:02
Mark Llobell: 
Nicole, we agree and need to get started in Virginia to demonstrate to our elceted officials the efficacy of the programs. A step at a time
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:02 Mark Llobell
12:02
John Harrington: 
Nicole this is true, but it appears the legislature wants to at least start to cover the kids that will benefit the most with the limited resources.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:02 John Harrington
12:02
Mark Llobell: 
We would love our bill to cover all children with Autism but lets start our journey by covering those we can
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:02 Mark Llobell
12:03
John Harrington: 
Agreed
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:03 John Harrington
12:04
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Doug Gray, executive director of the Virginia Association of Health Plans, said this would help very few people because it exempts self-insured businesses, small businesses, and even those who would participate in the state health exchange. Is this true?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:04 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:04
Mark Llobell: 
Texas recently enacted legisation that covered a portion of their citizens and expanded it upon seeing the cost benefits to the state
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:04 Mark Llobell
12:05
John Harrington: 
Doug at least where I work there would be many who do not fit that description
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:05 John Harrington
12:05
Mark Llobell: 
Doug has worked hard to deny benefits to all our kids. Again we would love to cover then all but we agree that covering some is better than denying needed services to all
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:05 Mark Llobell
12:05
[Comment From PeterPeter: ] 
Hello ¿ thanks very much for hosting this event. I am a Virginia resident and father of a 3 year old boy recently diagnosed with autism. We've already spent quite a lot of money on therapies and are very hopeful about the autism legislation. However, as a federal employee working in DC, with the insurance mandate apply to our family?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:05 Peter
12:06
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with autism?
Yes, I have autism
 ( 0% )
Yes, my child has autism
 ( 80% )
Yes, a family member has autism
 ( 0% )
No, I don't know anyone with autism
 ( 20% )

Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:06 
12:06
Mark Llobell: 
The bills are for Virginia residents do you reside in Virignia
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:06 Mark Llobell
12:07
[Comment From HeatherHeather: ] 
My son is 2.5. He isn't showing any of the traditional signs of autism. Are we in the clear? Should I continue to watch him?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:07 Heather
12:08
Mark Llobell: 
Our bills as written will cover state employees and businesse with more than 50 employees in a group plan
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:08 Mark Llobell
12:08
[Comment From Lavada RobertsonLavada Robertson: ] 
Parent of a child with autism and Mark's colleague here in Virginia.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:08 Lavada Robertson
12:08
John Harrington: 
Regressive autism is quite rare and usually occurs by 2. However, higher functioning autism requires a little more testing and may have subtler signs. Do you have concerns?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:08 John Harrington
12:10
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Heather asks a great question. With the average age of diagnosis 5 1/2, how can you tell earlier than that that something's wrong? What should parents of 2- and 3-year-old be looking for?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:10 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:10
Mark Llobell: 
another comment on Doug Gray statement regarding our self insured businesses is that 80 % of them will follow the state statues and provide the coverage for their families and employees
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:10 Mark Llobell
12:11
John Harrington: 
Heather this requires a prolonged comment....
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:11 John Harrington
12:11
Mark Llobell: 
Earlier diagnosis is something we all need to work on to insure we get to our kids with needed services and therapies as early as possible
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:11 Mark Llobell
12:12
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Mark, how would you suggest improving earlier diagnosis?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:12 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:13
Mark Llobell: 
Early and Intensive behavioral intervention is key to a child with Autism
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:13 Mark Llobell
12:13
[Comment From Lavada RobertsonLavada Robertson: ] 
Earlier diagnosis is imperative Mark....according to JLARC, Virginia is diagnosing much too late to receive Early Intervention services through Part C
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:13 Lavada Robertson
12:13
Mark Llobell: 
Dr Harrington your thoughts?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:13 Mark Llobell
12:13
John Harrington: 
There are three types of autism classic which should have signs before 2years, Aspergers which may be more subtle, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, that also can be tricky early on. To be more specific would take too long explain in this format. The number one issue would be if you have concerns than let your pediatrician know so they can either test or send you to someone who can test.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:13 John Harrington
12:14
Mark Llobell: 
I believe it is imperative that as a society we step up our early intervention programs to identify the children at the earliest possible time in their developmnental process
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:14 Mark Llobell
12:15
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Dr. Harrington, how do you think we can do a better job at early diagnosis?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:15 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:15
John Harrington: 
We are currently screening with the modified CHAT which is a 23 item questionnaire that is now on-line at www.m-chat.org if you want to screen for risk
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:15 John Harrington
12:15
Mark Llobell: 
Autism is growing a rate of 15-17% a year
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:15 Mark Llobell
12:15
Mark Llobell: 
one in every 110 children 1 in every 70 boys CDC
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:15 Mark Llobell
12:16
[Comment From PeterPeter: ] 
Thanks Mark. I do live in Virginia, but wasn't sure the mandate would apply to us because I worked in DC and our insurance company, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, is not based in Virginia. Question for Dr. Harrington. Do you have any comments on the various types of therapies out there (e.g. Floortime vs. A.B.A)? Our son was diagnosed recently and we're trying to sort the best treatment - or how to begin. He has the classic symptoms-doesn't speak, little eye contact, plays alone, etc.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:16 Peter
12:16
John Harrington: 
Okay. I think the 1% level is going to hold since most poly gene genetic disease fit along this criteria.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:16 John Harrington
12:17
[Comment From HeatherHeather: ] 
I'm mainly looking at his interaction with family and school-mates. The only negative feedback I've fotten from his preschool teacher is that he is "a little younger" socially than his classmates, but she said not to worry. What questions should I ask her to get more specific details about whether I need to follow up with an expert?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:17 Heather
12:17
Mark Llobell: 
Our bills in front of the Governor will allow families to get their medically prescribed services for their children and allow 50% of them to return to the mainstream of society. Saving them and their families from a life of isolation
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:17 Mark Llobell
12:17
John Harrington: 
Veronica,
The AAP says to screen at 18 months and then again at 24 or 30 months with something like the M-CHAT
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:17 John Harrington
12:18
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Readers, we are chatting with Mark Llobell, from the Virginia Autism Project, and John Harrington, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at EVMS and Division Director of General Academic Pediatrics at CHKD. They're ready to answer your questions about autism.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:18 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:18
[Comment From Lavada RobertsonLavada Robertson: ] 
Personally, Heather, anytime their is a doubt that your child is functioning on the same level as typical peers, get him screened
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:18 Lavada Robertson
12:19
Mark Llobell: 
The JLARC report assesses the savings to the State of Virginia to be in the $175,000 per child range in special education costs per child when the Governor signs our bills as presented
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:19 Mark Llobell
12:19
John Harrington: 
Heather your physician could do a social communication questionnaire or perhaps conitnue to monitor. Difficult to know without more of an exam.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:19 John Harrington
12:20
[Comment From Marybeth MainoMarybeth Maino: ] 
I agree 100% with Lavada.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:20 Marybeth Maino
12:20
John Harrington: 
Screening makes sense
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:20 John Harrington
12:22
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Doug Gray, executive director of the Virginia Association of Health Plans, said it's the school's responsibility to cover autism treatment because it's educational, not medical, in nature. Dr. Harrington, what do you think?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:22 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:22
Mark Llobell: 
As a Virginia resident and parent I feel any legislation that is designed to provide for a child in need that will enable that child to better develop and progress and a productive contributing member of society is benefical legislation.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:22 Mark Llobell
12:22
Will your family be able to get help under the proposed General Assembly bill requiring insurance coverage of applied behavior analysis for children 2 to 6? Or do you fall under one of the exemptions?
Yes, I would qualify
 ( 0% )
No, I'm exempt because my employer is self-insured
 ( 100% )
No, I'm exempt because I work for a small business
 ( 0% )

Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:22 
12:23
John Harrington: 
Okay Peter sorry missed the question.
ABA has the most research, but floortime also is okay. I generally tell my patients the teacher and the connection they can make with your child is the critical factor.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:23 John Harrington
12:23
Mark Llobell: 
Please not the old is it education or is it medical road block again. Autism is a neuroligical disorder
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:23 Mark Llobell
12:26
John Harrington: 
Veronica, it is everybodies problem. It is medical and educational. The 2-6 makes sense because of the difficult nature in diagnosis and early treatment. Beyond that we don't have a lot of literature to point to, but it appears a collaborative effort would make the m,ost sense.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:26 John Harrington
12:26
[Comment From JenniferJennifer: ] 
My daughter is 6 and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum and I don't know what to do next...any suggestions
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:26 Jennifer
12:26
Mark Llobell: 
Autism is Diagnosed by a doctor its proven therapies are prescribed by a doctor. When did teachers start diagnosis neurological disorders
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:26 Mark Llobell
12:27
[Comment From Lavada RobertsonLavada Robertson: ] 
Last time I checked a teacher could not diagnose and treat a medical condition
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:27 Lavada Robertson
12:27
Mark Llobell: 
We agree with Dr Harrington it is a societal issue and will take the strength of the medical as well as the eductional community to assist our kids in need
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:27 Mark Llobell
12:28
John Harrington: 
Jennifer I think Autism Speaks has some great resources and Tidewater Autism Society of America is also a nice place to start www.tidewaterasa.org
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:28 John Harrington
12:29
Mark Llobell: 
Jennifer, Our community has some great resources and I would be glad to assist
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:29 Mark Llobell
12:29
[Comment From JenniferJennifer: ] 
Do I need to check into any other doctors for her...she has a nuerologist at CHKD and a child phsychiatrist??
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:29 Jennifer
12:29
[Comment From Lavada RobertsonLavada Robertson: ] 
First Jennifer, remember that your child is yours and yours alone. Do what is best for her and your family. Take things one day at a time. And breathe! I have a daughter that will soon be 6 that is low-functioning
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:29 Lavada Robertson
12:30
John Harrington: 
Jen it appears she has a team already started. If her pediatrician is on board than it looks like you have a good start
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:30 John Harrington
12:31
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Readers, we are chatting with Mark Llobell, from the Virginia Autism Project, and John Harrington, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at EVMS and Division Director of General Academic Pediatrics at CHKD. They're ready to answer your questions about autism.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:31 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:31
[Comment From JenniferJennifer: ] 
We just feel very alone with this and she is so special...she is now attending Dream Catchers for therapy..thank you all for your words of encouragement
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:31 Jennifer
12:32
[Comment From JenniferJennifer: ] 
Yes her pediatrician put us in touch with Dr Frank
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:32 Jennifer
12:32
Mark Llobell: 
Trust us when we state that you are not alone. We have a wealth of support groups through out the area. There are a lot of families in Virginia who live with Autism.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:32 Mark Llobell
12:33
John Harrington: 
Yes Jen depending on where you are located you can access resources nearby
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:33 John Harrington
12:34
[Comment From JenniferJennifer: ] 
I am in the Middle Peninsula
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:34 Jennifer
12:34
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Mark, if readers want this bill to pass, what should they do?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:34 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:35
John Harrington: 
I'm still new to VA is the middle peninsula Newport News
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:35 John Harrington
12:36
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
The middle peninsula is north of newport news...it's made up of gloucester, mathews and middlesex counties.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:36 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:36
John Harrington: 
All the bill needs is the gov's signature. So keep sending e-mails and phone calls
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:36 John Harrington
12:36
Mark Llobell: 
Please call the Governor and ask him to sign the legislation as presented. The children and families in Virignia with Autism need his support (804) 786-2211
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:36 Mark Llobell
12:37
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Mark, where do you go from here? Next year, will your group try to lobby to get rid of the exemptions?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:37 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:37
Mark Llobell: 
Have your friend family and associates call as well Governor Bob McDonnell please sign our Autism Insurance bills as presented call 804-786-2211
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:37 Mark Llobell
12:39
Mark Llobell: 
we would like to demonstrate to all that our kids can get better with early and intensive behavioral internevtions as has been proven over and over again. We would also like to show the nation that Virginia takes care of its kids and is a great place to raise a family and live
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:39 Mark Llobell
12:40
John Harrington: 
Jen I don't have an identified support group in that area but I'm sure www.tidewaterasa.org would be able to connect you.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:40 John Harrington
12:40
[Comment From JenniferJennifer: ] 
Ok thank you so much.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:40 Jennifer
12:40
[Comment From PeterPeter: ] 
Mark ¿ sorry - two more questions on the logistics. First, assuming the bill is signed into law by the Governor, when will it go into effect (i.e., when will insurance companies be required to cover ABA, etc.)? Second, I understand the Governor has been non-committal on the legislation. If he were to veto the bill, do you think there is enough support to override the veto?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:40 Peter
12:41
John Harrington: 
I agree with Mark. Va has been lagging on this issue and it is time to improve our services for autism.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:41 John Harrington
12:41
Mark Llobell: 
Our group The Virginia Autism Project is made up of parents and grandparents who have a common goal in life and that is to better the opportunities for all children with Autism in Virginia
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:41 Mark Llobell
12:43
Mark Llobell: 
We do not belive the Governor will turn his back on the children in Virginia. He is a family man who has demonstrated his firm and sincere belief that family is the cornerstone of our society. We have majority bi partison support in both the House and Senate and this alone shows the strength of the bills as presented
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:43 Mark Llobell
12:44
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Readers, we are nearing the end of our time with Mark Llobell and Dr. Harrington. Any last questions?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:44 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:45
Mark Llobell: 
God bless our kids with Autism in Virignia their time has come to receive the same treatments services and coverages as other kids in the commonewealth
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:45 Mark Llobell
12:47
Mark Llobell: 
Virginia will become the 24th State to provide insurance coverage for their childern when Governor Bob McDonnell signs these much needed bills.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:47 Mark Llobell
12:47
John Harrington: 
I think some other pressing issues are for the older children with autism who are entering the transitional age to adulthood. The idea of using State Institutions has passed and job training and such needs to be address..
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:47 John Harrington
12:48
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Panelists, do you have any final thoughts or advice for parents? Any warning signs they should look out for?
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:48 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:49
Mark Llobell: 
Autism is a life long illness. We need to step up and meet the challange as Dr Harrington is correct. Transition to adult hood is a hugh issue and the more of these kids we can get to early the better.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:49 Mark Llobell
12:50
John Harrington: 
Please make sure your pediatrician screens your child at 18 months. If you are concerned at any time, bring up those concerns with your physician. You see your child every day and you pediatrician may have only 15-20 minutes so you need to be the best advocate for diagnosis.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:50 John Harrington
12:50
[Comment From Marybeth MainoMarybeth Maino: ] 
Virginia Autism Project - Thank you for all you do to represent the Autism Community. I speak for the many who are impacted with autism directly or indirectly in Virginia
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:50 Marybeth Maino
12:50
Mark Llobell: 
Please have your child screened for Autism early with treatments and intervention they can live a productive happy life
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:50 Mark Llobell
12:51
Mark Llobell: 
Every child deserves an opportunity to live a fulfilling productive meaningful life.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:51 Mark Llobell
12:51
[Comment From Lavada RobertsonLavada Robertson: ] 
Amen Mark...that's all we would like to see happen!
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:51 Lavada Robertson
12:52
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Thanks, panelists, for taking questions, and readers, thanks for tuning in and asking questions! This concludes today's chat.
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:52 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:52
John Harrington: 
For those who have not seen the HBO special with Temple Grandin they should rent it. It provides a lot of insight into how some people with autism think and respond to their world. At least in the hollywood format. :-)
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:52 John Harrington
12:53
Veronica Chufo, Daily Press: 
Thanks again, Mark and Dr. Harrington!
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:53 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press
12:53
Mark Llobell: 
Thank you Veronica our kids appreciate your interest and time
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:53 Mark Llobell
12:53
John Harrington: 
Thank You all
Wednesday March 2, 2011 12:53 John Harrington
12:53