Senator Fuschillo Attends Autism WALK at Jones Beach

Urges Walkers to Call on Governor Paterson to Sign Autism Insurance Reform Legislation

Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo says “thank you” to the over 29,000 walkers at the annual “Long Island Walk Now For Autism” at Jones Beach who raised funds for autism research. Senator Fuschillo also urged them to call Governor Paterson and tell him to sign autism insurance reform legislation.  

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently attended Autism Speaks’ annual “Long Island Walk Now for Autism” at Jones Beach State Park, where over 29,000 people walked to raise money for research that aims to find a cure for autism spectrum disorders.  

Senator Fuschillo thanked the walkers for their efforts and congratulated Merrick resident Michael Giangregorio, who served as Chairman of the Walk, on putting together a successful event. 

In addition, Senator Fuschillo urged the walkers to contact Governor Paterson and tell him to sign the autism insurance reform legislation (S7000B) which was passed by the State Legislature earlier this year. The legislation, which Senator Fuschillo sponsored, would require private insurance companies to provide coverage for diagnosis of autism and for medically approved treatments for individuals with autism throughout their lifetime. Currently, individuals with autism are routinely denied insurance benefits for treatment of their disorder, forcing them to spend tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket or forgo important treatments.   

            Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Patients typically have difficulties interacting with others, communicating both verbally and non-verbally, and engaging in leisure or play activities. 

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