The Military Family Autism Equality Act
October 2, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
The Military Family Autism Equality Act (HR3690) will provide retired military families with autistic children the same health care benefits as active duty services members, today’s Mount Vernon Gazette reports. Some 8,784 retiree families stand to benefit, according to Department of Defense statistics. The legislation was introduced by Virginia Congressman James P. Moran (D-8) and Florida Congressman Jeff Miller (R). Currently, active duty service members who have an autistic child receive benefits through TRICARE, which provides $2,500 a month (a max of $30,000 per year) for Applied Behavioral Analysis; these dependents end when an active duty military person retires.
Congressman Miller’s description of autism suggests that a lot more understanding about autism needs to occur:
“This bipartisan bill to extend needed medical coverage for children of military retirees with autism is long overdue and I’m pleased Congressman Moran and I were able to address this issue together. Autism is an insidious disease inflicted upon our children and we should live up to our obligation to serve the children of those who have served this nation.”
Opinions differ about autism being a disease or disorder or disability; a difference but “insidious,” as something that spreads harm in a stealthy manner, like a rumor? An unfortunate misrepresentation of autism.
That is a terrible description.
Especially the word “insidious.”
I just glanced at my son and I see nothing that even remotely resembles “insidious disease.”
His words were poor and do show his complete lack of knowledge, but he did intend for his words to be helpful. I give him some credit for trying many people don’t do that. The important thing is to help these military families get what their loved ones need. Military and autism makes for a huge headach so any help they can get is worth our support.