Adults with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, deserve to have access to treatment supports. SB95 took a step in the right direction by eliminating age caps (previously age 10) and caps on treatment hours (previously 11.5 hours per week), but this mandate only affects those with state-regulated insurance, about 24% of the population.
About 1 in 60 people born in Utah will have ASD. We place so much emphasis on early intervention, which is important, but what do you think it is like to have all these supports for your child early on, just to have them promptly taken away when they reach adolescence? Are typically developing children done learning when they turn 10?
Adolescents and adults with ASD, even those of normal IQ, are often still significantly disadvantaged regarding employment, social relationships, physical and mental health and quality of life. Half of adults with ASD are not able to work for pay outside of the home.
All adolescents and adults in Utah should have access to specialized job training, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis therapy that will help them continue on with their developmental goals and become happier, more productive members of society.
Piper Moore
Salt Lake City