August 2025 marks the fourteenth anniversary of Shayan’s Settlement! The settlement is a benchmark for insurance coverage for all children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Washington.
Through her fierce advocacy, Arzu Forough (CEO and Founder of Washington Autism Alliance) was involved in a lawsuit to fight for insurance coverage for medically necessary therapies that her children and other families were entitled to.
“I am a tenacious researcher and knew Washington already had passed a law [Washington State Mental Health Parity Act] that required this coverage, but it wasn’t implemented,” she explained. “I had been lobbying the legislature to end this discrimination. The biggest challenge we faced was that the legislature was unwilling to pay for the cost of care until they were forced to do so as a result of the settlement agreement.”
Since its signing in 2011, Shayan’s Settlement (named after Forough’s son) has mandated coverage of medically necessary ASD screening, diagnosis, and treatment, including behavioral therapies. It applies to Individual Plans, Fully Insured Large Group Plans, and Fully Insured Small Group Plans, and coverage is not limited by age, dollar, or number of visits.
Services that are covered thanks to Shayan’s Settlement include:
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Neurodevelopmental Therapies (speech, occupational, and physical therapies)
- Behavior Therapy, including Applied Behavior Analysis
- Pharmacy Care
- Psychiatric Care
- Psychological Care
- Therapeutic Care
- Any care for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, that is demonstrated, based upon best practices or evidence-based research, to be medically necessary
Fourteen years later, Arzu continues to lead the Washington Autism Alliance, advocating for individuals with autism and their families who face obstacles in accessing care and services. Our work is made possible by our dedicated team, wonderful volunteers, and our generous community partners. Get involved or donate today to help WAA continue our efforts!