Several years ago, Autism Key published a rather subjective list of states we thought, at the time, provided the best autism resources, support, and services.  Missouri was one of the states that made our list and soon after it was published, we received plenty of negative feedback from residents of the state contesting our choice, citing numerous negative experiences they had in relation to autism support and services.  For example, someone named Joyce posted to our message board forums and said:

“As someone from Missouri which made the top five listing of Best States for Autism, let me just say that you can’t believe everything you read. Missouri is NOT a good state for services for autism. I live in the No. 2 rated district in the state – Lee’s Summit, just south of Kansas City.  Lee’s Summit is a great district for typical children but the autism population, specifically, is treated like an ugly stepchild.”

Others had negative feedback as well, but we stood by our decision, citing numerous factors in our research that we felt made Missouri one of the leading states in the country for autism support.  This included then-Governor Matt Blunt’s increased budget proposal to fund autism services through the Missouri Department of Mental Health, as well as other legislative efforts to help those living with autism in the state.

Today, Missouri took a big step forward in its fight against autism and somewhat validated our selection nearly four years ago.  Effective January 1st, a new law now requires insurers to cover $40,000 per year of  ABA therapy ( applied behavioral analysis ) for children through age 18, and that cap could possibly rise with inflation every three years.  The law also gives those with individual insurance policies the option to buy autism coverage.  The law covers all those on the autism spectrum, which includes the classic form of autism, as well as Asperger’s, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Rett’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

This is a great step in the right direction, however, the new Missouri mandate only covers about twenty five percent of the state’s popluation and there are many advocates in the autism community that are saying the new law doesn’t go far enough.  However, it is a significant step in the right direction and helps set an example for the remaining states that have yet to implement autism insurance reform and help those with autism and their families get access to the insurance and treatment they need.

Here are some other resources for Missourians: