Advocates Praise Autism Therapy Pay Bill

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Trish Washburn's son Buddy, who has an autism spectrum disorder, didn't speak until he was 4 years old.

Washburn, who lives in Colonie, said she cried at night thinking about the life Buddy would have if he couldn't talk.

"I became a crazy mom and made sure he got the things he needed," Washburn said.

Her insurance company denied payment for speech therapy, so she found grants. Buddy, now 10, talks nonstop.

The state Legislature passed a bill last week that would require insurance companies to pay for therapy for autistic children. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has not signed the bill into law yet.