Macon Supporters Push to Pass Ava’s Law

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — According to the CDC, autism affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys. There are currently more than 2 dozen states that specifically require insurance companies to provide coverage for the treatment of autism, but Georgia is not one of them. Passing Ava’s Law could help autistic children, not only in middle Georgia, but all over the state.

Claxton Spivey was diagnosed with autism just before his fourth birthday. Speech, occupational and behavioral therapies could have all played a major role in early intervention for him.

“Instead we had to limit a lot of what we did and pay for it out of own pocket,” said Claxton’s mom, Sara Spivey.

She supports Ava’s Law. It’s named after Georgia girl, Ava Bullard. It would require coverage for autism-related therapy as well as pharmacy, psychological and psychiatric care.

Claxton is now 13-years-old and Sara says they’ve missed the window.

“We can do some therapies now but the key for children like Claxton once they’re diagnosed is to get in there and get all the therapies going,” explained Sara.

Although passing Ava’s Law may not affect Claxton’s treatments now, small business owner and autism advocate, Julie Evans thinks it will help many others on the autism spectrum.

Evans said, “Every year we wait, more children fall through the cracks…”

The girl who inspired the bill was diagnosed with autism as a toddler and told she would be in special needs classes the rest of her life.

“Today she’s in the top 10 percent of her class in regular school,” said Evans.

Julie and Sara are hoping other stories, and children like Claxton will inspire lawmakers to put Ava’s Law into action.

“To support Ava’s Law, head to El Sombrero at 4646 Forsyth Road in Macon on Sunday, February 23. The rally will be from 2 to 4 p.m. It is sponsored by Central GA Autism, LTD. For more information, call (478) 714-2845.