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New Autism Definition Could Cut Services

At least one state is trying to get a step ahead of the Federal government, looking for ways to try to protect kids with autism from a potential hurdle.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig reports from New York City:

Audio clip:

The American Psychiatric Association is working to streamline the definition of autism, which could result in a cut in services to some of the 1-in-88 children whose diagnosis falls within the autism spectrum.

Young New Yorker Max began speech therapy after his diagnosis at age 3.  When he started school, they added occupational therapy.  It’s this type of help his mother, Lisa, fears he could lose.

(Lisa) “He would not continue to grow, and he could possibly regress.  He needs those services.  He’s still delayed.”

New York state legislators are working on a bill that would keep autism diagnosis at the status quo, but the new Federal definition could trump the state’s work.

In New York, Chris Hoenig, FOX News Radio.




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