For most children diagnosed with autism, some form of therapy is a must. One approach is called Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA.

ABA is a form of behavior modification based on repetition.

Drew Dabney is a student in a program where ABA is used.

Autism Educational Consultant Wyndie Klingensmith says, "He's using signs and working on vocals. So, we might have him ask for a raisin which is something that motivates him, so he can independently ask for a raisin. And then we might go and do three or four other skills and then we might come back again and allow him to ask for the raisin until he's doing it spontaneously and independently."

In Nebraska, families have to pay that cost out-of-pocket. Many insurance companies consider the disorder more of a mental health issue rather than a medical disorder so they provide limited coverage, if any at all.

Now there's a push by some families who have benefited from the therapy to make it more accessible to all families.

At a recent hearing before a legislative committee, parents who are fortunate enough to be able to afford the therapy told senators of the remarkable progress that their kids have made, thanks to ABA therapy.

They appealed to state senators to help make it affordable to more Nebraska families with autistic children.

Dr. Dana Goverts says, "Location and resources should not determine who receives the therapy he or she needs."

LB 101 would allow Medicaid coverage for Nebraska children diagnosed with autism before age seven.

A number of states currently pay for ABA therapy and families will often separate or move to other states to gain access to that coverage. Others take out second mortgages or loans to cover the cost.

Though ABA therapy works for many children, it doesn't work for all.

An Omaha family knows firsthand just what a difference that therapy program can make. We'll have their story in the third of our reports on Autism: The Hidden Epidemic, Wednesday at 5 p.m. on Channel 6 and here on WOWT.COM.