R-08-50
RESOLUTION NO. R-OB-50
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT
OF FAlVIILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISlVI SPECTRUlVI DISORDERS
"","FlEREAS, autism is one of the fastest: grovving bie-neurological developmental disabilities
in the V\Torld,. vvhich impacts a persou"s ability to communicate effectively and interact vvith
other people; and
~HEREAS., the Centers -For Disease Control has labeled autism an epidemic, affecting 1 in
every 150 children in the United States", and over 1.5 million Americans have some Torm of
autism; and
~HER.EAS, vvith early diagnosis and intervention and appropriate services and support,
individuals vvith autism can lead distinguished, productive lives in their communities and
strive to reach their fullest potential; and
~FlEREAS, coverage of health care, behavioral, and psychotherapeutic services for autism
and other diagnosed developmental delays is limited". inconsistent". or excluded altogether by
private health plans and insurers". leading to denial of coverage and leaving families V\l"ith lost
time and no services; and
"""I-IEREAS,,. the City Council of the City of Fairfax". Virginia supports efforts to ensure
appropriate and equitable coverage by private health plans and insurers for the diagnosis and
medically necessary treatment of individuals V\l"ith autism and other disorders causing
developmental delays".
NOVV. TIIEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Fairfax,
Virginia expresses its support for an insurance mandate for autism treatments and therapies in
Virginia and calls upon state legislators to '-Vork tOVioTards enactment of a bill relating to
mandating health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder.
BE IT FURTIIER RESOLVED, that on today's date of December 9,2008. a copy of this
resolution '-ViII be permanently included in the official records of the City of Fairrax". Virginia.
ADOPTED: December 9. 2008
~~K~~~
l\.Ilayor
ATTESTt-~~~
~ty Clerk
Votes
Councilmember Cross
Councilman Drummond
Councilman Greenfield
Councilman l"v1eyer
Councilman Rasmussen
Councilman Stombres
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye