My daughter Kate was diagnosed with autism at 2 years 4 months.  She had been a typically developing, bright, verbal, and engaging child until shortly after her first birthday when her development started to regress.  At the time she was diagnosed she had lost the ability to speak, she was non-responsive to social interaction, and content to line up her toys and flap her hands for hours on end.  

Our health insurance denied coverage for her treatment.  My wife and I drained our savings account but were able to provide Kate with 25 hours/week of a home-based intensive behavior therapy program for 3 years.   Kate is currently in 4th grade in a general education classroom without an aide.  She has "straight A's" on her report card and achieved a score of "exemplary" in both the Math and Reading Kansas State Assessment Tests this year.  She still struggles with the social deficits that come with the diagnosis of autism, but she has a small group of good friends and plans to be a writer and an actress when she grows up.   

It was suggested that the Accessing Autism Services Bill be nicknamed "Kate's Law" as a reminder to legislators what a child with autism is capable of achieving if provided access to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.  Sarah and I are honored that this bill carries her name.  

Please share this video with all of your friends, family and associates in Kansas.  Ask that they sign up to receive email updates on Kate’s Law and contact their legislators asking for their support of this critical legislation.

Thank you,

Michael L. Wasmer, DVM

Founder, Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation

Member, Kansas Autism Task Force

Find My Kansas Legislators

Part One

Part Two