Monday, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day

Monday, April 2, 2012 is the fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day.

And the entire month of April is "Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month" in New York State.

These important dates provide us with a very special opportunity to continue our efforts to enhance public awareness about autism, and to work together to ensure that families and individuals have the support they need to overcome the serious challenges that autism can present.

As your Senator, I was proud to help enact a new law that will help provide families coping with autism with access to critically important care and support. Under the new statute, which Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law in November, health insurance companies are now required to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Insurance companies will also be prohibited from terminating or refusing to renew, change, or issue a policy solely because someone has autism.

With the enactment of this law, which takes effect on November 1, 2012, New York became the twenty-ninth state to require health insurance coverage for conditions relating to autism spectrum disorder.

When it comes to autism, early diagnosis and treatment is essential, and this important new law will help thousands of families across New York State who struggle to obtain -- and pay for -- proper care for loved ones affected by autism spectrum disorder. For additional details on the provisions of this legislation click here, Governor Cuomo Signs Law to Expand Health Care Coverage for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or feel free to contact my office.

The challenges presented by autism continue to touch the lives of thousands of children and families from our local community. So on World Autism Awareness Day, during Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and indeed throughout the entire year, let's continue working together to help our families, friends and fellow New Yorkers overcome these tremendous challenges.