"High-Functioning Autism" Descriptor No Longer Being Used
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Q. Audrey was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at the age of nine. She is exceptionally bright, so she switched to the advanced academics program at her school in third grade. However, her social skills unfortunately prevent her from fitting in with her typical peers, and she often has a challenging time making friends.
When she describes her daughter to others, Audrey's mom says that her daughter has "high-functioning autism." I too have a special needs son in the same boat, and heard recently that that descriptor is no longer being used. I also heard that a few years ago when the latest diagnostic manual came out, the DSM-5, the diagnosis of Asperger's is no longer being used either. So, are people who are gifted
academically, with social skill deficiencies, just called "autistic?" It doesn't make sense to me that they are diagnosed the same as someone who is non-verbal and needs a lot more assistance. Thanks for clarifying!
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Critter Corner: New Virginia Law Removes Age Cap on Autism Coverage
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Our daughter, Rachael, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since she was a toddler, we have been taking her for every early intervention therapy there is, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech, and occupational therapy. We are thankful that these are mostly covered by insurance, or we’d likely be broke.
Rachael is in middle school now, and still needs therapy, but not as much. The age for insurance coverage had been capped at 10 in the past for her to qualify for coverage for therapy, but I heard Virginia was extending it indefinitely. Do you know anything about this? How does this affect those with benefits, such as Medicaid or SSI? Also, how can we plan for our daughter’s needs and finances for the
future?
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