Hillary Clinton tackles autism with plan to boost screenings, health care coverage

Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton unveiled an initiative to boost screenings for autism and to pressure states to require health care coverage of the disorder, which affected one out of 68 American children in 2010.

Mrs. Clinton’s plan would push states to require private insurers to cover services for children with autism, conduct early screenings — especially in the underserved black and Hispanic communities — and establish public-private partnerships to ensure a postgraduation transition plan for every student with autism, among other initiatives, her campaign said in a statement Tuesday.

“As a country, we must make a priority of supporting the millions of Americans with autism, and their loved ones. My plan takes a comprehensive approach by boosting screening, improving treatment, and expanding employment and housing opportunities for those with autism,” Mrs. Clinton said in a statement about her plan. “Too many American families are staying up at night worrying about their family members, especially children, who are living with autism. There is more we can do.”

Last month, Mrs. Clinton proposed a plan to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s. In recent weeks, her campaign has been highlighting her quest to help families with autistic children. The funding for both initiatives remains elusive. In a campaign stop this week, though, Mrs. Clinton said she could find the funding for her Alzheimer’s plan in the Pentagon budget.