XPost: misc.health.alternative, alt.psychology, sci.psychology   
   From: fan@superstar.stalk.net   
      
   I was listening to NPR this morning and they did a segment on the   
   "epidemic" of autism sweeping the country.  Unfortunately, many   
   insurance plans do not cover extended autism treatment, so states   
   are beginning to mandate coverage.   
      
   There is no pill to treat autism, so treatment means various types   
   of psychological "therapies" that cost $500 an hour.  A typical   
   child diagnosed with autism might require 40 hours of "therapy" a   
   week, or $80,000 a year.   
      
   One "therapy" being promoted was a very expensive treatment called   
   Applied Behavioral Modification or some shit and it involves   
   encouraging positive behaviors and discouraging negative behaviors.   
   Sort of like cookies and time-outs except that it costs $1500 per   
   session.  Fortunately, laws mandating equal coverage will ensure   
   that Dr. Phil gets paid for his vital services.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)