BOISE - Today is a special day in Idaho as local politicians commemorated National Autism Awareness Day at the Capitol.
Lt. Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation during the ceremony, deeming the month of April as "World Autism Month" and April 2nd as "World Autism Awareness Day" in Idaho.
The goal is to raise public acceptance and understanding of autism spectrum disorder.
Little was joined by local politicians and the Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance, Dean Cameron, who announced a new policy that makes certain autism therapies and services eligible for insurance coverage.
For one mom, the fight for coverage has spanned over a decade.
"This is very exciting, we've been waiting years and years for something like this," said Richelle Tierney, mother of an autistic son.
"The announcement that was made today is absolutely life changing for families with autism,” said Lorri Unumb with the nonprofit Autism Speaks. “To get the right kind of treatment and intervention as recommended by the doctor for your child with autism can change the entire trajectory of that child's life."
Autism is a range of disorders that hinder the ability to communicate and interact. Most doctors believe there is no cure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 68 American children are diagnosed with it.