Autism Delaware policy day set April 6

Every April, Autism Delaware sets aside a special day to focus on putting autism advocates together with their state legislators. Called Smart Cookie Day, this year's meet and greet will take place in the Delaware Legislature Thursday, April 6. Autism Delaware Policy and Community Outreach Director Alex Eldreth is calling on autism advocates to join forces in preparation for their day in Dover. The advocates' goal is to share their personal stories of life with a loved one on the autism spectrum as well as to advocate for legislation that benefits individuals on the spectrum and their families. The advocates will also hand-deliver freshly baked, donated chocolate chip cookies.

"We need as many families and individual advocates as possible for Smart Cookie Day," says Eldreth. "Because of the state's challenging financial climate, grassroots advocacy efforts are especially important. Now more than ever, we need people to tell their stories and educate our legislators about everyday life with autism spectrum disorder."

Over the years, Autism Delaware advocates have supported many Delaware Legislature bills that were passed and signed into law. For example, Gov. Jack Markell signed Senate Bill 22, which prohibits insurance companies from denying treatment or dropping a child from an insurance policy because the child is on the autism spectrum. Thanks to the enactment of SB 22, all insurance plans regulated by Delaware law must cover screening and diagnosis, behavioral health treatment, psychological and psychiatric care, prescription medications, and speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Another example is SB 93, which established the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism. This network was established to increase the amount of training and technical assistance available to professionals serving people with autism spectrum disorder throughout the state.

Participants in Autism Delaware Smart Cookie Day also have the opportunity to sit in Legislative Hall when tributes to World Autism Awareness Day are read and the governor signs a proclamation naming April as Autism Awareness Month in Delaware.

For more information, go to www.autismdelaware.org or contact Eldreth at 302-224-6020, Ext. 204, or alex.eldreth@delautism.org.