“Not My Problem”

The “Not My Problem” petition is a movement to demand the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide fair and equal Health Benefit options to Federal Employee families that have individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Currently OPM only “Strongly Encourages” Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) coverage which is recognized as the leading treatment for autism. This “Not My Problem” stance provides an inconsistent and unequal benefits policy for Federal Employees because as a result of OPM’s position FEHB plans offer ABA therapy coverage in only 20 states.

The “Not My Problem” attitude by OPM is not unlike the attitude that families with individuals with autism encounter every day in almost all walks of life. Most of the time individuals affected by autism are given a superficial face to face sentiment of concern when trying have the general public provide necessary assistance or services. However, as soon as an actual level of effort is required the “Not My Problem” attitude kicks in and problems are either not addressed in a timely manner or ignored entirely.

The reality is autism is everyone’s problem because we all regardless of our neuro-developmental capabilities have the potential to be productive members of society. For someone with autism to maximize that potential they must have access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy which is the leading treatment for autism. By signing this petition you are making a statement to OPM to stop the “Not My Problem” attitude and make ABA therapy available to all Federal Employees equally so that all of our children receive the necessary services to learn, grow and develop into future doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists and leaders of this world.

If you would like to take a more active role in the “Not My Problem” movement you can cut and paste the text of the original “Not My Problem” Auto reply email you received and either forward it on to specific individuals or place it into your own Auto Reply to be sent out automatically as email requests are received by you. You may also contact the originator of this petition “Mark” Colin Oldland using any of the contact information listed below for additional ways to become actively involved.

"Mark" Colin Oldland

Field Account Specialist

Removal Support Section

Office: (732) 452-6443

Cell: (908) 420-4453

E-mail: oldland.colin@epa.gov

Top 10 Reasons why Children with autism deserve ABA.

• Reason 10 Children with autism deserve ABA because there is more scientific evidence demonstrating ABA “works” than there is for any other intervention or treatment
• Reason 9 Kids with autism deserve ABA because they are human
• Reason 8 Children with autism deserve ABA because it will help their parents be the best parents they can be for them
• Reason 7 Children with autism deserve ABA because it will help teach them how to sleep through the night and use the bathroom
• Reason 6 Individuals with autism deserve ABA because it is the best defense against the tyranny of low expectations
• Reason 5 Children with autism deserve ABA because it can teach them the skills necessary to make friends
• Reason 4 Individuals with autism deserve ABA because it enables their parents and teachers to capitalize on their strengths and preferences
• Reason 3 Children with autism deserve ABA because it can teach parents how to respond in the moment
• Reason 2 Children with autism deserve ABA because some day their parents are going to die
• Reason 1 Individuals with autism deserve ABA because it can prepare them to be their own best advocates

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC319620...