Why is it legal to discriminate against us?

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It is perfectly legal for insurance companies to deny anything dealing with autism, as if a neurological difference were a choice. If I had depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, ocd, or anxiety, my insurance would cover my treatment.

Even if I made poor choices like overeating, and had weight related issues, they'd cover me... or if I smoked.

Yet, because I'm autistic, my treatments and therapies will not be covered. There is no "autism coverage" under my insurance.

I'm just wondering why and ranting. I was just denied coverage for some much needed therapy. Soon, I will need therapy for depression instead... At least they may cover that.

I've wondered this for the longest time. It's [language removed - M.]

You make a wise argument. Do we have a lawyer here on WrongPlanet? *Laughs nervously.* I think we need to write a petition or something for the legal world to look over. Though my laughter is nervous, I am being serious. It doesn't seem like you're ranting, by the way.

I think the reason is that they still only believe in the stereotypical autism.

I think once we are more well known and understood we'll get more support but as for now it's a battlefield.

Last edited by Ebonwinter on 30 Mar 2010, 2:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I agree. To take this a step further, I think it would be great if the people on WP would organize themselves and start an advocacy-type organization that could tackle this and other issues related to neuro-diversity.

Even classic autism isn't covered. I'm not even worried about the misconceptions, as much as I am about the discrimination.

I agree 100%. We have numbers, even if we lack the immense funds that insurance companies possess.

because of that wonder of legalese known as a "pre-existing condition".

While I am skeptical of anything that even remotely resembles identity politics, I think that this is a good idea. Also, with the shear numbers we have here, we are bound to have a few members in the fields of legal/paralegal, politics, etc. to help out.

I am curious (and don't know), so please take this as a standard question and nothing judgemental. What coverage do you need that isn't covered? I know you said you were denied therapy. Does your insurance offer mental health benefits in general? Any decent therapist can code a visit to something that will be covered (even marriage counseling is covered because of the way a therapist codes it). So is this a standard therapy session or something more alternative?

Thanks for your answers.

If you like this idea, take a look at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as a potential "model" for an advocacy organization in the US. AARP seems like a good example because it is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its members and it produces tangible results. AARP members receive discount rates on insurance, medicine, and travel; advocacy in policy matters at the federal and state levels; publications, and community services. Plus it provides another avenue for representation in policy matters. Here’s their vision: “AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.” Imagine such an organization for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, created and run by people with ASDs.

Because we don't show the classic signs of autism.

Many of us do. However, that is not the point. Even people with classic autism are not covered.

I just have my sessions billed under anxiety or depression so that they are paid for.

When someone is discriminating against you, it isn't dishonest to circumvent their discrimination. If you think it is, do you think that slaves in the South were criminals for trying to run away? It was against the law.

That is a good idea. I'll ask my doctor about it.

98% of schizophrenics and a large number of bipolars are unemployed ... the mentally ill are discriminated against heavily by every society.

Anybody who advocates for mental health issues is suspected of being mentally ill themselves ... and nobody takes them seriously.

The great majority of people will NEVER stop being prejudiced against the mentally ill.