LAS VEGAS -- Sarah Miller plays with her 2-year-old son, Nate, in their Henderson home. He was born prematurely and recently diagnosed with autism.
"We got the diagnosis in spring and at least we know what's going on and we know how to help him," she said.
Applied Behavioral Analysis helps Nate communicate, but the sessions can be expensive. They often cost $15 an hour at 40 hours a week.
A law passed by Nevada's legislature taking effect in 2011 mandates insurance companies to pay up to $36,000 a year for children's autism therapy.
"It'll help open up the amount of services I can get because with my particular insurance, I was only allowed a certain amount of visits per year," said Miller.
The Easter Seals charity organization pressed lawmakers for the insurance mandate. It passed the legislature 60 to two. But the Council for Affordable Health Insurance, a business advocacy group, claims the mandate will add $100 a year to Nevadan's medical premiums.
Families with autistic children may face cuts in state programs in this years budget crisis.
"There was $3 million that were in the budget this last biennial that was specific to providing the behavioral services we were talking about and it relates to the insurance law," said Brian Patchett, president of Easter Seals.
Still, Miller says she is hopeful for the help her son is getting now.
"He's going to do good. He's very sweet, very loving and very spicy too," she said.
Easter Seals says the majority of the 6,000 families they help in southern Nevada have children with autism.
Sarah Miller and her son Nate
