Dr. Meredith Blitz-Goldstein, a leader of the Verona advocacy group Children Having Individual Learning Differences (C.H.I.L.D.) was in Trenton yesterday talking to legislators about the state regulations on insurance coverage for children with autism.
According to the Star Ledger, which covered the testimony, Blitz-Goldstein told the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee that the rules are so complicated that parents of autistic children must rely on experts to decipher them. “I’m a medical doctor and the issues with coding were so involved I had to hire someone to help me,” Blitz-Goldstein is quoted as saying.
The testimony was apparently effect: At its close, Committee Chairman After Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) ordered insurance companies to change the regulations.
To whom this may concern,
My name is Nikita Joshi. I am a junior at Verona High School who is organizing a 14 hour dance marathon to raise money for children who have autism. All of the money will be donated to Autism Speaks, in New York. This is the first of its kind not only in Verona, but the state of New Jersey. In fact, it is the first time being done at a high school level.
Starting from 9 o’clock in the morning on April 6, Verona High School students will dance until 11 o’clock pm. Participants in this event will dance for blocks of time period that they will individually sign up for. They will dance for two blocks; one of choice, and the last being mandatory. Each block, excluding the last, is three hours long.
All donations received will be given to Autism Speaks, a well-known and excellent organization devoted to spreading autism awareness and researching the cause.
Researchers from Autism Speaks say studies show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.
By way of comparison, more children are diagnosed with autism each year than with juvenile diabetes, AIDS or cancer, combined.* ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide.
Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years. There is no established explanation for this continuing increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered.
As you can see, this cause is more relevant now than ever before. Please find it in your hearts and your schedules to attend this event or just donate to the cause.
*From Autism Speaks
Date: April 6, 2013
Time: 9 a.m-11 p.m
First Session- 9 am- 12 pm
Second Session- 12-3 pm
Third Session- 3-6 pm
Fourth Session- 6-9 pm
Fifth (Last)- 9-11 pm
Location: Verona High School Gym
I ask of you to please donate any of the resources you have for this amazing cause.
We are asking for donations. Anything you can donate such as food, time, and money would be greatly appreciated.
Your assistance can greatly influence the outcome of this event!
Thank you,
Nikita Joshi