NSU Horizons Winter 2008 - 2009

NSU at Center Stage of Window of Opportunity Act Statistics show that one in every 150 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, jumping to one in every 94 for boys. The costs associated with obtaining a diagnosis, interventions, and therapies alone can financially cripple even the most affluent of families, despite the limited, free resources in the community. Last spring, South Florida families affected by autism opened a window of opportunity that may bring some relief. Nova Southeastern University served as center stage for the good news. In May, Charlie Crist, Florida governor, signed legislation that will require insurance companies to pay for approved therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder. Under the Window of Opportunity Act, SB 2654, major insurance companies that operate in the state of Florida, and companies with more than 50 employees, will be required to offer coverage for autism-related disorders. The legislation gives insurance companies until January 2009 to negotiate a contract with the state to develop autism-coverage plans before the mandate takes effect in 2010. The legislation also calls on insurance companies to increase consumer awareness of the benefits. The Baudhuin Preschool at the Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies, located on NSU’s main campus, served as a host site for the governor’s ceremonial bill signing to communicate the newly passed legislation throughout Florida. Present at the signing were several law- makers including the bill’s lead sponsor Steve Geller, state Senate demo- cratic leader; Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino; families of children with autism; NSU deans and administrators; and advocate groups including UM/ NSU CARD and staff and family members of the Baudhuin Preschool. The Baudhuin Preschool serves in partnership with Broward County Schools to provide a rich variety of activities and experiences within a language-based environment to Broward County families for free. tating collaboration,” said Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA. She also points out that many of NSU’s undergradu- ate and graduate programs already benefit from collabora- tion with other centers. One example is the ability to minor in autism through the Doctor of Education program at the Fischler School of Education and Human Services. Another is a specialized track in applied behavior analysis offered in partnership with the Center for Psycho- logical Studies. According to Reeve, the Interdisciplinary Council for the Study of Autism is already looking for ways to provide even wider curricular opportunities. “It will mean new ways to further collaborate to develop new programs and refine the programs we are already offering,” she said. Reeve said early discussions by the council are also paving the way for collaboration with the Fischler School to write a new grant that will allow teachers in Broward County to access master’s degree-level courses in autism that will eventually be needed to obtain an autism en- dorsement for special education teaching certificates. The Center for Autism and Related Diseases Through the efforts of NSU’s Fischler School of Edu- cation and Human Services, a collaborative program with the University of Miami was established called UM/NSU CARD, or Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. UM/NSU CARD is a community-based program that provides resources, technical assistance, family support, consultation, and professional and parent training for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Some of those related disabilities are dual sensory impairments such as deaf-blindness or vision or hearing problems. Funded by the state through the Department of Edu- cation, all CARD services are free. CARD directors said they hope working with the Interdisciplinary Council for the Study of Autism will help raise awareness in the com- munity about the services they offer. n 17 horizons Charlie Crist,Florida governor,signs the bill that requires insurance companies to pay for approved therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder.