Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 31, 2012

On July 25, 2012 a panel of experts on autism advocacy and treatment convened to help families understand how new insurance mandates in California have expanded behavior-based treatment coverage for adults with autism.

The free event was held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center, Haas Conference Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.

Thousands of adults with autism in California became eligible for health insurance coverage for behavior-based treatment services for the first time on July 1, 2012. That’s when SB 946, which mandates that insurers cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment for autistic children, teens and adults went into effect.

The event’s panelists included:

   •  Areva Martin: President and co-founder of Special Needs Network, on-air legal expert to the Dr. Phil show, member of the Department of Managed Health Care’s Autism Insurance Task Force.

   •  Rick Rollens: Speaker at autism conferences throughout the world, Legislative Advisor to the Association of Regional Center Agencies, member of the state’s Department of Managed Health Care’s Autism Insurance Task Force.

   •  Dr. Rhonda Robinson Beale: Chief Medical Officer of External Affairs for OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions, a leading service organization for mental health solutions; member of the DMHC’s Autism Insurance Task Force

   •  Connie Lapin: Consumer and legislative activist for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders; past president of Protection and Advocacy, Inc.; honored at the White House and by the State Senate.

About Vista

Dr. Massel is the founder and director of the Mission Hills-based Vista Center for Behavior Analysis. Vista Center for Behavior Analysis serves the greater Los Angeles County and provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatments to children, teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.

Vista provides individualized programs for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities learn the skills needed for living an independent life. For the last 12 years, Vista has served autistic clients and their families throughout Los Angeles County in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel Valley, East Los Angeles and Culver City.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/7/prweb9753542.htm