Health
Autism insurance helps children, but more therapists needed
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By YANJIE WANG
Capital News Service
LANSING — The state now requires health insurers to provide diagnosis and treatment coverage for people with autism spectrum disorder. And advocacy groups say children with autism have more opportunities to receive treatment. But experts in Grand Rapids, Southfield, and Sault Ste. Marie say families still face major challenges in finding suitable services. The average cost of caring for an individual with autism over his or her lifespan is $3.7 million without insurance coverage.