Wednesday, May 26, 2010

If you are going to ABAI 36th Annual Convention...

...don't miss the Practice Board's "Autism Insurance Summit"

This event will be held on Sunday, May 30th from 7:30pm-10:30pm in Room 216 A(CC).

This year we are honored to have an extremely distinguised group presenting. The group includes:
LORRI UNUMB (Autism Speaks)
ERIC BILLINGTON (United Health Group)
MARY JANE WEISS (Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
GERALD L. SHOOK (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
SUSAN BUTLER (South Carolina Early Autism Project, Inc.)
GINA GREEN (Association for Professional Behavior Analysts)
DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
RHONDA ROBINSON BEALE (United Behavioral Health

The Practice Board Chair, Michael Dorsey, will chair this unique and informative event.

Looking forward to seeing all of you there!
Posted by Megan at 9:19 AM
Labels:

Sunday, May 23, 2010

ABAI Practice Board Sponsored Events at the 2010 ABAI Annual Convention

The descriptions below provide a brief overview of currently listed Practice Board Sponsored Events at the ABAI 36th Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX, May 28 - June 1, 2010.

For full and most current information, please consult the 2010 Annual Convention Home, and find "ABAI Practice Board Sponsored Events" under "Program Scheduling and Workshop Registration".

SATURDAY, 5/29/2010

# 103 Business Meeting
7:30 PM - 8:20 PM
217B (CC)
ABAI Practice Board Open Meeting: This Ain't Your Daddy's ABA!
Chair: Michael F. Dorsey (Endicott College)
The ABAI Practice Board Open Meeting is a forum for ABAI members to meet the members of the Practice Board and its' various committees. The organizational philosophy of the Practice Board is a “Bottoms-Up” approach to member service, soliciting from the practitioner members of ABAI what they need from ABAI to be more successful in their day-to-day professional roles. The members of the Practice Board will review for the audience the steps completed this year toward this end and will seek to gain a better understanding of additional areas of need.
# 114 ABAI Expo
8:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Exhibit Hall A (CC)
50. The ABAI Education Board
CHARLES T. MERBITZ (Chicago School of Professional Psychology)

51. The ABAI Practice Board—Meeting the Needs of Practitioners
MICHAEL WEINBERG (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC), Thomas L. Zane (The Center for Applied Behavior Analysis at The Sage Colleges), Jennifer R. Zarcone (University of Rochester Medical Center), Travis Thompson (University of Minnesota), R. Douglas Greer (Teachers College, Columbia University), Michael J. Dougher (University of New Mexico), Jon S. Bailey (Florida State University), Josh Pritchard (University of Nevada, Reno)

52. ABAI Practice Board: Licensure Committee–Current Status and Developments
MICHAEL F. DORSEY (Endicott College)

53. The Practice Board Governmental Affairs Committee
Eric Billington (United Health Group), Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Megan Guidi (Vinfen Corporation), Amy Kenzer (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), R. WAYNE FUQUA (Western Michigan University)

54. ABAI Membership Board
PHILIP N. HINELINE (Temple University), Jay Moore (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Edward K. Morris (University of Kansas)

55. ABAI Program Board: An Overview of the Program Convention System
RAMONA HOUMANFAR (University of Nevada, Reno), Raymond C. Pitts (University of North Carolina, Wilmington)

56. ABAI Student Committee
Erick M. Dubuque (University of Nevada, Reno), Sarah M. Dunkel-Jackson (Southern Illinois University), JOSH PRITCHARD (University of Nevada, Reno)

57. ABAI's Board of Affiliated Chapters
GORDON BOURLAND (Trinity Behavioral Associates)
SUNDAY, 5/30/2010

# 261 Symposium
3:00 PM - 4:20 PM
201 (CC)
OTH; Service Delivery
ABAI Practice Board Presents a Symposium for Parents: How to Get Medical Insurance Funding for Your Child’s Applied Behavior Analysis Program
Chair: Amy Kenzer (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
  • History of Funding for Applied Behavior Analytic Services: Background Perspective for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum
    DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Michael F. Dorsey (Endicott College)
  • What Every Parent of a Child With Autism Needs to Know: Current Status of Medical Insurance Legislation Requiring Coverage for Applied Behavior Analytic Services in 15 States
    DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
  • Not All Insurance is Created Equal: Distinguishing Between Good and Bad Insurance Plans for Autism
    AMY KENZER (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Bryce Miler (Center for Autism and Related Disorders)
  • A Practical Tutorial for Parents on How to Get and Maintain Insurance Funding for Your Child’s Applied Behavior Analysis Program
    BRYCE MILER (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Doreen Granpeesheh (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
# 296 Symposium
4:30 PM - 5:50 PM
201 (CC)
OTH; Service Delivery
ABAI Practice Board Presents Advice for Professional Behavior Analysts: How to Access and Maintain Medical Insurance Coverage for Your Behavioral Services
Chair: Arthur E. Wilke (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
  • A Behavior Analyst’s Perspective on the History of Third Party Funding for Applied Behavior Analytic Services for Children With Autism
    DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Michael F. Dorsey (Endicott College)
  • Legislation Requiring Insurance Coverage for Applied Behavior Analytic Services in 15 States: What Every Behavior Analyst Should Know
    DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
  • How to Get Approved by Insurance Companies Who Fund Behavioral Services: Practical Advice for Behavior Analysts
    BRYCE MILER (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
  • Navigating the Maze of Billing Medical Insurance for Behavioral Services
    DENNIS DIXON (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Bryce Miler (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
MONDAY, 5/31/2010

# 453 Panel Discussion
3:00 PM - 4:20 PM
Seguin (Grand Hyatt)
CSE; Service Delivery
BACB CE Offered. CE Instructor: Michael Weinberg, Ph.D., BCBA
Behavior Analyst Licensure: Current Status in States With Licensure Laws
Chair: Michael Weinberg (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)
KIMBERLY NIX BERENS (Center for Advanced Learning, Inc.)
JIM BOUDER (The Vista School)
MICHAEL F. DORSEY (Endicott College)
JOHN SCIBAK (Massachusetts House of Representatives; The Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and the Co-Chair of the Oral Health Legislative Caucus)
MICHAEL WEINBERG (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 2:00 AM
Labels: , , , , ,

Saturday, May 22, 2010

IN THE NEWS: Alan E. Kazdin - "Parenting Expert Warns Against Physical Punishment"

An opinion interview piece was released by the American Psychological Association on the use of corporal punishment in parenting.

Alan E. Kazdin, Ph.D., former APA president, John M. Musser professor of psychology at Yale University and director of Yale's Parenting Center and Child Conduct Clinic, discussed the effectiveness of the use of some common parenting practices, such as spanking, in changing behavior in desired directions.
Dr. Kazdin suggested that while momentary suppression might occur, that the effects do not have permanence, do not teach desirable behavior, and can be responsible for developing collateral behaviors.

He suggested alternative methods and in the interview explicitly credited the research field of applied behavior analysis in identifying these more effective methods,
"...Dr. Kazdin. Positive reinforcement for alternative behaviors is extremely effective. This is not just rewards or points but the use of antecedents (what comes before behavior), behavior (shaping and gradually developing, repeated practice), and consequences (e.g., specially delivered praise).There is a whole area of research (applied behavior analysis) devoted to this and some parenting books, too..."
At the 36th ABA International annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Kazdin will be one of the recipients of the 2010 Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA) awards; he will be presented with the Award for Effective Presentation of Behavior Analysis in the Mass Media, and his presentation will be, "Integrating Behavior Analysis Into Psychology and Public Life".

For further reading
Parenting Expert Warns Against Physical Punishment
Released: 5/5/2010 11:00 AM EDT
Source: American Psychological Association (APA)

Some of the Slate "Family" articles by Alan E. Kazdin, and Alan E. Kazdin and Carlo E. Rotella

Tiny Tyrants: How to really change your kid's behavior. Apr 10, 2008   

Family Feuds: How to make "timeouts" less like bar fights. Jun 27, 2008

Spare the Rod: Why you shouldn't hit your kids.  Sep 24, 2008 

Why Can't Johnny Jump Tall Buildings?:Parents expect way too much from their kids. Nov 07, 2008 

No, You Shut Up: What to do when your kid provokes you into an inhuman rage. Feb 05, 2009

Plan B: What to do when all else has failed to change your kid's behavior. Sep 17, 2009  

Like a Rat: Animal research and your child's behavior Nov 12, 2009

If You're Good, I'll Buy You a Toy: The difference between bribing your child and rewarding your child. March 26, 2010

Kazdin, A. E. (2011). Single-case research designs: Methods for clinical and applied settings. New York: Oxford University Press.

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 2:00 AM
Labels: , , ,

Friday, May 21, 2010

State news: Michigan to hold public meetings on autism insurance; Monday May 24, 2010 meeting in Ysilanti

 AIM Michigan and Autism Votes announce that there will be a legislative task force meeting on autism insurance reform hosted by Michigan Senators Randy Richardville and Tupac Hunter. Although Michigan's House in June 2009 passed two autism insurance bills,
HB 4476 : insurance; health care corporations; coverage for certain treatments related to autism; provide for. Amends 1980 PA 350 (MCL 550.1101 - 550.1704) by adding sec. 416e.
and
HB 4183: Insurance; health; coverage for certain treatments related to autism; provide for. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406s. 
that proposed to cover ABA and other evidenced treatments, the bills have subsequently stalled in the Senate's Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee. Autism Votes states that these meetings represent the Michigan Senate's effort to determine what would best meet the needs of Michigan's families and children impacted by autism spectrum disorder.
Monday, May 24, 2010, 2:30-4:30 pm. EDT
Autism Collaborative Center
Eastern Michigan University
1055 Cornell Road, Fletcher School Building, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Among those stated to be speaking will be
  • Lorri Unumb, Senior Policy Advisor for Autism Speaks
  • Catherine Lord, Ph.D., Director of the University of Michigan Autism & Communication Disorders Centers;
  • Pamela Lemerand, Ph.D, Project Director for EMU's Autism Collaborative Center;
  • Eileen Weiser, former State Board of Education member and Civic Leader,
  • Brooke Ingersoll, Ph. D, Michigan State University Autism Laboratory.

The second in the series of task force meetings has been set for Friday, June 4, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm EDT at the Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.


For further reading
Autism Votes Michigan

Autism Insurance Michigan Blog

Draft Position Statement on Autism Insurance
Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan(BAAM)

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 3:00 AM
Labels: , , , ,

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Behavior Analysis Digest International describes how CA school district hiring of Behavior Analysts as employees provides cost effective service delivery

An article in the Volume 22, No. 1, Spring 2010 issue of Behavior Analysis Digest International describes a service delivery model in which the hiring of Board Certified Behavior Analysts® as full-time employees of school districts, rather than on a contract basis for the equivalent services, resulted in substantial cost savings. The article is reprinted in its entirety, and any changes are purely for typesetting purposes.
" School districts Hire Behavior Analysts, Save Money - Lots of Money.

Eric Burkholder, Dublin Unified School District; Chelsea J. Wilhite, University of Nevada, Reno;  Rebecca Peck, Livermore Unified School District; Carla A. Epps, and Julia H. Fiebig, San Ramon Valley Unified School District; Lorien Quirk and Joel Vidovic, Mount Diablo Unified School District.

San Francisco - In the current financial climate, states are cutting funding to public school districts. Districts are investigating service delivery models in attempts to determine cost-effective ways to provide services to students, including those eligible for special education. School districts' critical examination of costs extends to services historically provided by behaviorally-oriented, non-public agencies. Now some California districts have hired board certified behavior analysts to provide behavior analytic services as full-time district employees, rather than contracting the same service, and money is being saved.
The addition of a full-time behavior analyst as a school district employee can have many impacts on the service delivery system within a school district. The impact of having an in-house behavior analyst may increase staff ability to manage students' behaviors, increase capacity to serve students with autism and other disorders and allow better service delivery of services using scientifically validated techniques and it saves cash. Three school districts in California have found that the addition of full-time behavior analysts is a cost effective approach to delivering these services.
The three suburban school districts are located in California's San Francisco Bay Area. Dublin United States School District, Mount Diablo Unified School District and San Ramon Valley Unified School District. All three, prior to hiring behavior analysts, had significant expenditures for behavioral consultants and behavioral non-public agencies that serve special education students. The services took several forms, including individualized consultation services written into students' IEPs, class-wide consultation as part of ongoing service delivery, individual educational evaluations and staff training. As part of cost control and quality control all three schools decided to hire board certified behavior analysts (BCBA's) full-time.
All three school districts reported an average reduction in costs compared to when they had contracted behavioral services: $244,108 per behavior analyst hired! "
Reprinted with permission from Behavior Analysis Digest International.

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 10:37 AM
Labels: , , , ,

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Research News: University of Rochester Study finds gluten-free casein-free diet does not significantly improve symptoms in autism

The most tightly controlled study to date on the gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet found that application of the diet resulted in no significant change in autistic behavior or improvement in symptoms.

The results are being reported On Saturday, May 22, 2010 in a presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research. The presentation title is,
Hyman, S., et al. (2010, May). The Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) Diet: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Challenge Study. Presented at International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Philadelphia, PA.
ABC News Medical Unit reports,
"...The researchers undertook a randomized, double-blinded (meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew which treatment anyone received), placebo-controlled study.

Fourteen children who were put on the diet for at least four weeks were then given snacks containing gluten, casein, both or neither. The researchers evaluated the children for changes in attention, sleep, stool patterns and characteristic autistic behavior. The study did not show significant changes in any of these symptoms for any of the groups..."




Video: URMC researcher discusses findings on popular autism diet [5:49]
University of Rochester Medical Center Newsroom




Again from ABC News,
"Dr. Leonard Rappaport, chief of the Division of Developmental Medicine at Children's Hospital in Boston, called the findings 'disappointing.'

'Even though I did not believe it really made a difference, I was hoping I was wrong,' Rappaport said. "
...
 " 'Actually, I don't think that many parents will be disappointed," Amaral [David Amaral, president of the International Society for Autism Research and professor at the University of California at Davis] said. 'On the contrary, it is very difficult to maintain children on the [GFCF] diet. Some parents who may have failed in maintaining the diet may feel relieved to hear that it might not be a benefit to their child even if they had persisted.' "
...
"[From Dr. Stefani Hines, a development-behavioral pediatrician at William Beaumont children's hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan] 'So far the research that has been the most promising has been aimed at applied behavioral analysis,' she said. 'We still have much to learn regarding best treatment practices for children with autism.' "

For more information
Popular Autism Diet Does Not Demonstrate Behavioral Improvement
(video and more indepth description)
University of Rochester Medical Center Newsroom
May 19, 2010

Hyman, S., et al. (2010, May). The Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) Diet: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Challenge Study. Presented at International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Philadelphia, PA.

A Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet No Remedy for Autism
DAN CHILDS, LARA SALAHI and PAM MAZZEO, M.D.
ABC News Medical Unit
May 19, 2010

Past related posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Opportunity: Autism Science Foundation offers grants for parents and stakeholders to attend the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR)

Thursday, January 7, 2010
Pediatrics publishes two significant reports on evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals diagnosed with ASD

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 7:00 PM
Labels: , , ,

Health Reform.gov; Live Webcast on 5/20/10 to answer questions on Affordable Care Act benefit to Americans with disabilities.

HealthReform.gov, managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is online to answer consumer and stakeholder questions about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - H.R. 3590, signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010; now Public Law No: 111-148 (text of P.L. not yet posted at the Government Printing Office).


Besides answers to FAQs, there is also a map to check status reports on health reform implementation in each U.S. state, and the Health Reform Blog with a variety of posts by officials and administrators in the federal government on how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will proceed on such as state management of high risk pools, as well as corrections or explanations of items in the press .

There is also a weekly live web chat to answer questions and address various aspects of the law. Past chats are also archived for any unable to make the live chat.
"This Thursday, May 20, 2010 1PM EDT, the web chat topic is how the Affordable Care Act will benefit Americans with disabilities. Submit questions for the chat to healthreform@hhs.gov. You can watch the web chat live at: http://www.hhs.gov/live.

Do you have a disability or have someone close to you who does? Do you wonder if and how the Affordable Care Act can really help you?  We'll be taking your questions about how the Affordable Care Act will benefit people with disabilities, or those with loved ones affected by a disability. Join our WebChat this upcoming Thursday, May 20, at 1:00 P.M EDT at www.hhs.gov/live.

Henry Claypool, the Director of the Office of Disability at HHS, Jeffrey Crowley, Senior Advisor on Disability Policy at the White House and Meena Seshamani, Deputy Director in the Office of Health Reform at HHS will discuss and answer YOUR questions about how the Affordable Care Act will help those who have a disability. 
Send your questions to healthreform@hhs.gov and we'll answer as many as possible during Chat. We will also take questions live from twitter using our handle @HHSGOV.

This week's show is the eighth in the Affordable Care Act WebChat series. Tune in each week as we continue to talk about different aspects of the new health reform bill so that you, your family and friends can stay informed. You can find previous WebChats on healthreform.gov and browse the site to find all the latest information available from HHS on the new law.  Thanks for participating, and stay tuned to get your questions answered."
For further reading or reference
HealthReform.gov

H.R. 3590
Certified by Superintendent of Documents
United States Government Printing Office

Past blog post
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Federal legislation: U.S. House passes Senate health care reform bill to be signed into law; reconciliation act goes to the Senate

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 1:04 PM
Labels: , , , , ,

Evidence-based practice: New Zealand release of "Technical review of published research on applied behaviour analysis interventions for people with autism spectrum disorders"

The New Zealand Association for Behaviour Analysis announced the public release by the New Zealand Ministries of Education and of Health of a comprehensive technical review of the evidence concerning the effectiveness of applied behaviour analytic intervention methods for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

The report is,
Mudford, O., Blampied, N., Phillips, K., Harper, D., Foster, M., Church, J., Hunt, M., Prochnow, J., Rose, D., Arnold-Saritepe, A., Peters, H., Lie, C., Jeffrey, K., Messick, E., Sumpter, C., McEwan, J., & Wilczynski, S. (2009). Technical review of published research on applied behaviour analysis interventions for people with autism spectrum disorders: Auckland Uniservices Ltd. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry of Education.
Among those receiving acknowledgement for advice and input to the report are: Dr. Gina Green, Ph.D., BCBA-D; the Directors of the May Institute; Dr. Susan M.Wilczynski, Ph.D., BCBA, Executive Director of the National Autism Center's National Standards Project; and author colleagues at the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, the Open Polytechnic, and University of Canterbury. 

Those interested in the report are directed to the Executive Summary page, where that summary and the full 126 page report can be directly accessed, respecting the note,
"Reports from Auckland UniServices Limited should only be used for the purposes for which
they were commissioned. If it is proposed to use a report prepared by Auckland UniServices
Limited for a different purpose or in a different context from that intended at the time of
commissioning the work, then UniServices should be consulted to verify whether the report is
being correctly interpreted. In particular it is requested that, where quoted, conclusions given
in UniServices reports should be stated in full."
For further information
"Technical Review of Published Research on Applied Behaviour Analysis Interventions for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder"
Executive Summary and links to full report
Education Counts
Author: Mudford, O., Blampied, N., Phillips, K., Harper, D., Foster, M., Church, J., Hunt, M., Prochnow, J., Rose, D., Arnold-Saritepe, A., Peters, H., Lie, C., Jeffrey, K., Messick, E., Sumpter, C., McEwan, J., & Wilczynski, S. (2009).
Date Published: 15 January 2009 - Revised 16 January 2009
Released on Education Counts: April 2010

REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON ABA INTERVENTIONS FOR AUTISM NOW PUBLISHED
New Zealand Association for Behaviour Analysis
May 6, 2010

Related past posts
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Evidence-based practice: Maine issues evidence-based report on autism interventions

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 2:00 AM
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

U.S. Research Policy: HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius appoints five new public members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)

At the April 30, 2010 full meeting of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) - the Federal advisory committee mandated by The Combating Autism Act (CAA) of 2006 (P.L. 109-416 – ) to coordinate research activities within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - and the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC), five new public members appointed by Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius were added to the Committee.
"The new members will bring additional points of view and expertise to the IACC...'By adding new voices to the IACC and expanding the number of organizations represented on the committee, we hope to broaden our perspectives and increase coordination efforts,' said Dr. Thomas Insel, IACC Chairman and director of the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)."
New Members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee:

Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D.
Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks
Dr. Dawson is the Chief Science Officer for Autism Speaks, working with the scientific community and stakeholders to shape and expand the foundation's scientific vision. She also is a licensed clinical psychologist with a research focus on early detection and intervention, early patterns of brain dysfunction and the identification of biological markers for autism genetic studies. Dr. Dawson also serves as Research Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University and Professor Emeritus of Psychology at University of Washington.
Gerald D. Fischbach, M.D.
Scientific Director, Simons Foundation
Dr. Fischbach is the Scientific Director for the Simons Foundation, where he oversees the Autism Research Initiative. He has spent his career as a neuroscientist studying the formation and maintenance of synapses, the junctions between nerve cells which allow signals to be transmitted. Before joining the Simons Foundation, Dr. Fischbach served as the Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) from 1998 to 2001 and as the Executive Vice President of Columbia University Medical Center and Dean of the faculties of medicine from 2001 to 2006.
Ari Ne'eman
Founding President of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Mr. Ari Ne'eman is the Founding President of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, where he works to increase the representation of autistic people in public policy discussions. He is an adult on the autism spectrum and a leading advocate in the neurodiversity movement. Mr. Ne'eman has served on the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force and the New Jersey Special Education Review Commission, where he authored a minority report advocating legislative action against the use of aversives, restraint and seclusion. He is a board member of TASH, an advocacy group for people with disabilities, and is involved with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education.
Denise D. Resnik
Co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center; President of Denise Resnik & Associates
Denise Resnik is the co-founder and Board Development Chair of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC). She is the mother of an 18-year-old son with autism. Ms. Resnik serves on the Autism Speaks Family Services Committee and Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA) Steering Committee. She participated in the 2006 NIMH Autism Matrix Review and the IACC Scientific Workshops to develop the IACC Strategic Plan and subsequent updates.
Marjorie Solomon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of California, Davis
Dr. Marjorie Solomon is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis. She serves on the faculty of the Medical Investigation of Neurological Disorders (MIND) Institute and the Autism Research Training Program, where she conducts research on a social skills training intervention for high-functioning children with ASD, incorporating parents and siblings in the research. In addition to her clinical research work, Dr. Solomon studies cognition and learning in high-functioning individuals with ASD.
These five new members join those Public members already on the IACC,

Lee Grossman
President and CEO
Autism Society
Bethesda, MD

Yvette M. Janvier, M.D.
Medical Director
Children's Specialized Hospital
Toms River, NJ

Christine M. McKee, J.D.
Rockville, MD

Lyn Redwood, R.N., M.S.N.
Co-Founder and Vice President
Coalition for SafeMinds
Tyrone, GA

Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Autism Spectrum Consulting
Newton, MA

Alison Tepper Singer, M.B.A.
President
Autism Science Foundation
New York, NY

and the Federal Members who represent different agencies.

For further information

HHS Secretary Sebelius Appoints Five New Members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Friday, April 30, 2010

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Member Roster

Past post
Thursday, April 29, 2010
April 30, 2010 Meeting of the Full Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC); Live videocast available

Saturday, February 6, 2010
U.S. Research Policy: Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee releases the 2010 IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 9:41 AM
Labels: , , , ,

Monday, May 17, 2010

State legislation: Delaware - May 21, 2010, SB 204 Info and Advocacy Session

Autism Votes Delaware and the Autism Delaware Facebook group have announced an info and letter writing opportunity to get up to speed on the legislative bill
SB 204, AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS COVERAGE. 
currently in the Senate Finance Committee. SB 204 defines applied behavior analysis, includes it for coverage under the "habilitative or rehabilitative care" category, and includes among those denoted as an "Autism services provider", "practitioners with the national certification of board-certified behavioral analyst",or any person, entity, or group meeting the standards set by the Department of Health and Social Services.

Meeting information:
Date: Friday, May 21, 2010
Time: 1:00pm - 6:00pm (hourly sessions)
Location: Autism Delaware Newark Office
Street: 924 Old Harmony Road, Suite 201
City/Town: Newark, DE
View Map
RSVP at Facebook and/or to Kim Siegel, kim.siegel@delautism.org
Attendees will able to learn more about the latest information on SB 204 and write letters to legislators. Talking points, contact information, sample letters, paper, envelopes, and refreshments will be provided.

Every hour there will be a review of the legislation and what it will (and will not) accomplish and answer questions before beginning letter writing. The first hourly session starts at 1:00pm, sessions will continue through the afternoon, with the last session beginning at 5:00pm and ending at 6:00pm.

Again, please RSVP at Facebook and/or to Kim Siegel, kim.siegel@delautism.org to sign up for a time slot so that organizers can ensure that there will be enough volunteers, supplies, and snacks during the session.

For more information
Autism Votes Delaware

Autism Delaware Facebook group

Autism Delaware

Past post
Friday, March 19, 2010
State legislation: Delaware - Senate Bill 204 autism insurance bill would provide reimbursement for ABA

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 3:00 AM
Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Legislation - Roundup of licensing, autism insurance and other state and Federal bills and statute of interest

Summary of some state and Federal legislation and statute
May 16, 2010
Note: While this is a best effort to track and report legislation for the purposes of education and reference, no claim is made of comprehensiveness, completeness or accuracy, and posting does not constitute legal advice.
Readers are urged to consult noted references and relevant governmental sources to obtain exact legislative and statutory language.

 Red dots = states with passed licensing law (7)
Yellow=states with passed autism insurance law
Green = states with autism insurance legislation in progress
Gray= states with autism insurance legislation that failed to pass in 2010.

Licensing legislation - passed (red dots)
(BACB)=BACB certification alone is competency for license
(BACB+) = BACB and additional requirements
(other) = other requirements

  • Arizona (2008)/January 1, 2011 - Note: this is year delay, via HB 2207 (2009) which specified certain deposits and accounting changes to enact Laws 2008, Chapter 288. (other). State Board of Psychologist Examiners

  • Kentucky (2010)/January 1, 2011 HB 159 - (BACB). Kentucky Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board. [blogpost]

  • Missouri (2010)/  HB 1311 - (BACB). Behavior Analyst Advisory Board under the State Committee of Psychologists [blogpost] 5/16/10 awaiting signature of Governor Jay Nixon.

  • Nevada (2009)/May 29, 2009  for purpose of establishing licensing and certification requirements. July 1, 2011 for all other purposes. Language of AB 162 as enrolled. Ch. 331. (BACB). Board of Psychological Examiners, adding 2 more members, one of whom is a licensed behavior analyst. Also certifies autism behavior specialists.

  • Oklahoma (2009)/November 1, 2009 - license and training program.  Licensing Act language at the BACB. (BACB). Licensed by the Developmental Disabilities Services Division of the Department of Human Services.

  • Pennsylvania (2008)/ 1 year from effective date of regulations promulgated or July 1, 2012 - license is for "Behavior Specialist". Licensing requirements as outlined in Act 62 from PA DPW (other). State Board of Medicine

  • Wisconsin  (2010)/30 days after publication date; Publication date May 25, 2010. SB 667/2009 Wisconsin Act 282 - (BACB). Department of Regulation and Licensing; an advisory committee may be appointed to advise on regulation. [blogpost]
Licensing legislation - in progress (open red dot)
Stated to be considering licensing
Autism insurance legislation - passed (yellow on map) - red below indicates also a license in that state.
NB- legislation does not affect ERISA self-insured plans or may have other state specific coverages, restrictions or exclusions depending on state's statute and regulation.
Autism insurance legislation - active at the time of this post (green on map)
Autism insurance legislation - failed to pass or modified (M) from original purpose in 2010 (gray on map)
  • Alaska HB 187; (May be on hold pending task force review) Did not specify competencies of "autism service provider". Legislature adjourned 4/18/10. [blogpost]
  • (M) Georgia  SB 161 - Insurance; require certain coverage for autism spectrum disorders; provide definitions. Modified by House Committee on Insurance to appoint a task force for study of education and services. Legislature adjourned.
  • Maryland HB 1091 & SB 1028; Legislature adjourned before significant action taken [blogpost]
  • Minnesota HF 359; language transferred to House HHS Omnibus Health Care bill; excised in Conference Committee [blogpost]
  • Mississippi SB 2055, SB 2129, SB 2175, SB 2363, SB 2607, HB 1496. All "Died" in House and Senate Insurance Committees.
  • Missouri SS/SB 618. Similar bill HB 1311&1341 passed in 2010 legislature. [blogpost]
  • Virginia SB 464; reduced amount and age of coverage. Tabled by House Commerce and Labor committee. [blogpost]
  • Washington  HB 1210 & SB 5203; Carried over from 2009. No significant action taken in special session. [blogpost]
  • West Virginia SB 145, HB 2858, HB 4410, HB 4215; No significant action. Legislature adjourned. [blogpost]
Other significant legislation passed
  •  Connecticut HB 5425 (passed legislature 5/6/10)"An Act Concerning Special Education". [blogpost]
Other significant legislation in progress

  • California SB 1282 Applied behavior analysis services: California Behavioral Certification Organization. [blogpost]
  • Massachusetts S. 45 Level IV Treatment Interventions & S. 46 Special Commission on Behavior Modification. [blogpost]
  • Massachusetts  S 2293, formerly S. 223 "An Act to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities" Bill History. Problematic reference is inclusion of "facilitated communication" as communication modality.
  • New York  S.03676  Provides an exemption for individuals performing behavior analysis. [blogpost]
Other significant legislation on hold or "failed".
  • Alaska HB 425  (On hold pending task force study). Would have created intervention system for ABA and provided supervised experience towards BACB certification. Legislature adjourned 4/18/10. [blogpost]
  • Mississippi SB 2457 ("Died" in Education; Appropriations Committees). would have phased in training of personnel and routine school use of "applied behavior science" for the state's students with ASD.
  •  Missouri  SB 1030 Creation of Behavior Analyst Advisory Board and licensure. Language rolled into autism insurance bills SS/S. 618 and passed HB 1311&1341. [blogpost]
*Federal legislation in progress
Restraint and seclusion legislation
  • H.R. 4247 "Keeping All Students Safe Act . [blogpost]
  • S. 2860 "A bill to protect students from inappropriate seclusion and physical restraint, and for other purposes". [blogpost]
Note: Many states are currently in the process of reviewing regulation or creating legislation issue of restraint and seclusion under the urging of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and prompting of this Federal legislation. Please refer to your state legislature or Department of Education for the status of such actions.

Other Federal laws which may impact practice 

For more information/further reading
Insurance Coverage for Autism
February 2010
National Conference of State Legislatures

National Conference of State Legislatures/NCSL
For autism legislation database and Legislative Session Calendar

Autism Votes

Frequently Asked Questions About the State Autism Insurance Reform Laws
Autism Votes

2009 State Autism Profiles
Easter Seals

Buckner, Marcy M "States Enact Insurance Mandates To Cover OT for Autism". OT Practice. FindArticles.com. 20 May, 2010.

Thomas.gov (Search engine of the Library of Congress)

Federal Register: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Part IV:
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, 26 CFR Part 54
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 29 CFR Part 2590
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 45 CFR Part 146
Interim Final Rules Under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008; Final Rule
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2167.pdf

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Federal legislation: U.S. House passes Senate health care reform bill to be signed into law; reconciliation act goes to the Senate
 
© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 12:36 AM
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, May 15, 2010

FYI: The Association for Science in Autism Treatment Spring 2010 Newsletter is now available online

The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)'s Spring 2010 newsletter, Science in Autism Treatment is now online and available for download at their website.

ASAT has a request that those who find these newsletters and other resources offered by ASAT of value, help spread the word to families and colleagues about ASAT, the resources offered, and the newsletter so that as  many as possible know where to go to get good information on evidenced treatments and interventions for autism spectrum disorders.

To sign up for future issues of Science in Autism Treatment when they are issued,

Some of the contents in the Spring 2010 Science in Autism Treatment,
  • "Facilitate This": Part I of a Two-Part Interview with Dr. James Todd
  • Message from ASAT President, David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA-D
  • Science in Autism Treatment (SIAT) Team
  • ASAT Committee Members
  • Clinical Corner: Discussing Concerns with Family Members
  • Book Review on Blessed with Autism : A Parent’s Guide to Securing Financial Support for the Treatment of Children with Autism.
  • AAP Position Statement on Vision Therapy
  • ASAT Board of Directors
  • Consumer Corner: "Resources for Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice"
  • Parent Survey Opportunity
  • Science Corner: "Interventions for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and How Best to Evaluate their Effectiveness"
  • Letter from the Co-Editor : Josh Pritchard, MS BCBA
  • Research Review: "Multiple Effects of Joint Attention Intervention for Children with Autism"
  • Research Review: "Joint Attention Training for Children with Autism using Behavior Modification Procedures"
  • "Treatment Summary: Developmental Therapy"
  • Announcement: ASAT on Facebook
Past posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
Reminder from the Association for Science in Autism Treatment to sign up for free Spring newsletter

Sunday, January 24, 2010
Evidence-based practice: Maine issues evidence-based report on autism interventions

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Posted by Megan at 2:00 AM
Labels: , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
 
550 W. Centre Ave., Portage MI 49024-5364
Phone: (269) 492-9310 | Fax: (269) 492-9316 | E-mail: mail@abainternational.org