|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep. Mark Cohen |
|
Cohen/O'Brien to attend autism expo March 28
PHILADELPHIA, March 10 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., and House Speaker Dennis O'Brien, a leading advocate for people with autism, will participate in an upcoming expo designed to help local families with the challenges associated with autism spectrum disorders.
The Autism Health Expo is being held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the Julia Ward Howe Academics Plus Elementary School, 13th and Grange streets. Other Philadelphia lawmakers also were invited to participate.
Sponsored by Philadelphia School District's Northwest Region Six, the expo offers information to parents and family members of children and adults with autism, access to support services and health-care providers, and the chance to network with legislators, advocates and support group representatives.
Cohen and O'Brien are scheduled to attend the expo and discuss legislation and other issues with autism advocates and parents. Cohen's wife, Mona Cohen, works with children with special needs at the Julia Ward Howe School.
Cohen said at least one in every 150 children in America now lives with one of the autism spectrum disorders.
"Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference for children living with autism," Cohen said. "But some insurance companies do not cover diagnosis or treatment, both of which can be expensive. Some parents go broke getting their kids the care they need. Other kids don't get care. Neither is acceptable."
Cohen and O'Brien are sponsors of H.B. 1150, which would require insurance companies to provide coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. It was approved by the state House in July and awaits action from the Senate.
Information regarding the Autism Health Expo is available by calling Cohen's constituent service office, 215- 924-0895 or 215- 924-3690.
###bfg /2008/agh
l:\print\releases\ autismexpo.202