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Autism in Minnesota

First of a two-day series

Autism's $100,000 question

Advocates say intensive therapy helps kids. Skeptics ask whether it's really effective and worth public cost. Updated Apr. 4, 2011

Officially, Minnesota doesn't pay for an intensive type of autism therapy. Yet it has for some affluent families. Advocates say the intensive therapy helps kids, but skeptics question the cost and whether it's really effective.

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Elisa Roiko with twins Elijah (middle) and Seth

A customized approach
Article By: MAURA LERNER ,Star Tribune Publish April 3, 2011 2:00 AM / Update April 2, 2011 11:49 PM
A few years ago, they thought their children might spend the rest of their lives unable to talk or care for themselves. Yet today, their eldest son, Joshua, is mainstreamed in kindergarten and headed for a gifted classroom next fall.

And they have high hopes for all their sons, thanks in part to a day treatment program at the Fraser Child & Family Center in Minneapolis. "We see progress every day," said Alexander Fernandez.

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Article By: MAURA LERNER , Star Tribune Publish April 4, 2011 2:00 AM / Update April 21, 2011 3:07 PM
Officially, Minnesota doesn't pay for an intensive type of autism therapy. Yet it has - but only for some families.

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Judge: Minnesota 'inconsistent' on autism care
Article By: MAURA LERNER , Star Tribune Publish April 6, 2011 2:00 AM / Update April 5, 2011 9:49 PM
Suit says state funded intensive therapy for some kids, not others. Ruling sends child's case back for more hearings

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Autism payments are under scrutiny
Article By: MAURA LERNER , Star Tribune Publish April 8, 2011 2:00 AM / Update April 7, 2011 11:00 PM
An Anoka legislator has called for a review of the state's practice of funding intensive therapy for some children, but not others.

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Autistic Maple Grove boy wins battle for treatment coverage
Article By: MAURA LERNER , Star Tribune Publish August 18, 2011 2:00 AM / Update August 17, 2011 7:58 PM
A ruling says Medicaid program should pay his bills.

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