In brief: Workshop to cover autism coverage [The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.]

Jan. 16--A workshop Friday aims to help privately insured families of children with autism get treatments covered.

Many Washington insurers are now required to cover treatments for autism spectrum disorders, including applied behavior analysis therapies, known as ABA.

Eleanor Hamburger, a Seattle attorney who has worked on several ABA cases against private insurers, will speak at the workshop.

According to a news release from the Northwest Autism Center, participants will learn about the status of insurance coverage for autism in Washington, coverage rates and how to submit claims. Health care professionals can learn how to become "in-network providers" of ABA or develop other agreements with insurers.

Presented by Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy and the Northwest Autism Center, the workshop will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday at Eastern Washington University's Riverpoint Campus.

Registration costs $50 for health care professionals, $25 for families and $10 for students. Call the autism center at (509) 328-1582 or go to www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org.

A Spokane man could face life in prison under Washington's three strikes law following gang violence Saturday that left two people hospitalized with gunshot wounds and two others badly beaten.

Daniel Dublin, 33, appeared in Spokane County Superior Court on Tuesday. A judge set his bond at $350,000 after determining Dublin is a flight risk and a risk to the community.

Dublin has six prior felonies.

Phillip J. Ruiz, 23, appeared in court Monday on an assault charge in connection with Saturday's violence. He is being held in Spokane County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

Police say the victims in the case have been uncooperative.

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