Autism Spectrum Therapies’ Co-Founders Appointed to Regional Task Force on Autism

Co-chairs of North Los Angeles County workgroup to focus on insurance-related issues

Culver City, CA (November 16, 2009) – Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), an agency providing behavior therapy and other autism services in Southern California, announced today that the agency’s co-founders, Ronit Molko, Ph.D., BCBA-D and Bill Frea, Ph.D., BCBA-D, have been named as co-chairs of the insurance workgroup for theNorth Los Angeles County Regional Task Force (NLAART) of the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders. 

The Committee’s charge is to draft and pass legislation for the prevention and treatment of autism and for the support of individuals with autism in California. The NLAART is one of several task forces of the committee across the state, and is made up of five workgroups whose members include experts in the field of autism. The workgroups are focused on: Housing, Insurance, Training and Employment (High Functioning & Asperger’s), Training and Employment (Full Spectrum Autism), and Early Identification & Intervention.  

The NLAART task force will work with California State Senators who have introduced and supported related legislation, including Senator Carol Liu (D-Pasadena), Senator Alex Padilla (D- Pacoima), and Senator Fran Pavley (D- Agoura Hills).

Dr. Molko and Dr. Frea will serve as co-chairs for the insurance workgroup of the NLAART task force, which is primarily focused on expanding private insurance coverage for evidence-based autism therapies. In addition, Dr. Frea will serve as the committee’s moderator. Another AST staff member, Regional Director Andrea Ridgway, Ph.D., BCBA-D, will serve on the NLAART Early Identification & Intervention workforce.

“The formation of the Senate Select Committee is a clear indication of California’s commitment to individuals with autism and their families,” said Dr. Frea. “We believe this Committee and its various task forces and work groups across the state will help families get the services they need, when they need them most, which will make a positive and long-term impact on the lives of all Californians with autism.”

 For more information about AST’s services, please call (866) AST-1520 or visit http://www.autismtherapies.com/.

About Autism Spectrum Therapies:

Founded by respected experts in the field of autism, Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) provides individuals with autism with a range of services from infancy through adulthood, as well as comprehensive training and support for parents and families in their homes and communities. AST’s highly trained clinical staff uses scientifically-validated methods grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, with customized services ranging from play-based early intervention programs, to classroom support, to building practical skills for independent living. AST’s intensive family-focused approach facilitates measurable, sustainable progress and helps individuals with autism achieve their full potential. The agency provides services throughout Southern California.  For more information, please visit http://www.autismtherapies.com/.