State Agrees to Cover Therapy for Autistic Children on Medicaid

Derek Collins and his mother
at their home.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- After three children, Jennifer Collins thought she had it down.
But it became clear early on that her youngest son was struggling. Derek began talking late. He struggled with focus, cried more than usual and shunned affection. At age 2 came a diagnosis of autism.
“We were tearful, emotional all the time,” Collins said. “It’s heartbreaking to see your child locked in their own head and so unhappy and there’s nothing you can do about it.