A few people have asked me why we spent money studying something we already knew. The reason we have to spend money on this is because in the absence of published data we can’t get needed public policy changes. As a result of having this data (even before it was published today) we were able to get a medical classification code for autistic wandering, which means doctors can be reimbursed for time spent warning parents about wandering and discussing preventive measures. Now we are trying to use the published study to get an “autism” alert, like the amber alert, so that first responders can be notified when our children wander. Our kids are not covered by the amber alert because they are not (technically) abducted. So while it seems silly to have to “study” this, it is a very necessary step in getting our kids the help and protection they need and deserve. ASF funded this study and I am really proud of the work we are doing in this area.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Why Study Wandering?
At the Autism Science Foundation, Alison Singer explains why groups financed the wandering study:
