ROANOKE, Va. -
Virginia families who are dealing with autism are looking to Richmond for more help.
They are supporting legislation in the General Assembly that would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism in individuals of any age.
Current law requires health insurance providers to cover autism treatments for children between the ages of two and six. House Bill 1940 would remove that age limit altogether.
"Just because your child hits a certain age, it does not mean it's going to go away," says Lavada Robertson, a supporter of the legislation. "You know for families affected by autism they know that all too well."
Lindsey and Bryan Parsons moved to Virginia last year, because of the state's insurance mandate. They say their son, five-year-old Jackson, has made great progress since he began receiving treatment here.
"We've seen just such incredible improvements in him, in his social interactions with kids in his class," said Bryan Parsons.
Lissa Hoprich provides treatment for children with autism at her clinic in Salem. She says the age cap has already been a problem for at least four of the families she's working with.
"So then if you're child is getting diagnoses at four or five and then they're sitting on a waiting list for another nine or twelve months, you're just getting started and your age cap is being reached," she told WDBJ7.
Lindsey and Bryan Parsons say they are worried about what will happen to Jackson's progress if the age limit isn't removed.
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Virginia families rally support for autism legislation