The New York Times recently published an article about how autism clinics take advantage of medicaid while providing sub-optimal care. Dr. Sassi responded in the following published letter.

To the NYT Editor:

Re “Autism Clinics Pursue Profits From Preschoolers” (front page, May 25):

The reporting on Medicaid abuses in autism treatment exposes a troubling paradox: Some autism clinics operate with less oversight than day care facilities, despite serving vulnerable, often nonverbal children. Well-intentioned Medicaid funding has been diverted to feed state-subsidized corporate greed backed by private equity, negatively affecting the reputation of the whole industry.

Corporate interests have corrupted the clinical needs of some children to serve the financial demands of investors. What can be done to fix the system? Increase regulatory oversight, including stricter licensing and accreditation practices to require more intensive teacher training, annual inspections and industry best practices for care.

Medicaid and private insurers should consider a more holistic model of payment that focuses on results over fee for service. The care of our children is too important to put in the unregulated hands of corporate profiteers.

Jessica Sassi
Southborough, Mass.