Interdisciplinary students talk with Representative Fred Hunsaker during the Utah Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities' reception earlier this month.

Students discuss disability with legislators at Utah's Capitol

Utah State University students spoke out about the issues that mattered to them at this year's Utah Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities' reception.

They made the trip to Salt Lake in February with the Interdisciplinary Disability Awareness and Service Learning class, offered through the Center for Persons with Disabilities on the Utah State University campus.

Student Aria Spear said the experience was valuable. "It was so informative. ... I'm glad that I came. It will be easier to contact him [State Senator Lyle Hillyard] if I have concerns."

Spear and other students wanted more information about Clay's Law (SB 43), which would require insurance companies to cover autism services for Utah families. The bill has gone through some changes since the night of the reception, but a current look at its content and progress is available on its web page.

Northern Utah survey focuses on autism screening

Autism spectrum disorder continues to be the fastest-growing developmental disability in Utah. A survey of doctors' offices in Cache, Box Elder and Rich counties seeks to further understand ASD diagnoses by asking how and when northern Utah physicians screen for autism.

The survey's authors stress that early diagnosis of children with ASD/DD will improve a child's development and performance at school. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that evidence-based, structured and intensive educational intervention helps children with autism reach their greatest potential.

A featured story on the CPD website offers a closer look at the study and an interview with the CPD's biomedical services director, who researches the causes of autism and treats children with ASD in his practice.