How This Works

READ THIS NOTE FROM CLAUDIA'S FAMILY 3/4/08 WE NEED YOUR HELP...CLAUDIA AND THE CHILDREN OF WISCONSIN NEED YOU TO ACT NOW!!!!!!! As you know, we are quite active in pushing to see legislation passed in Wisconsin that would mandate insurance companies to cover treatment and therapies for Autism. Wisconsin does have a state funded program to provide funding, but has over 350 children sitting on the waiting list for services...it will be about 2 years for all of those children who need coverage today. Our last update indicates that Claudia is #357 on the list. In the meantime we are paying out of pocket for ABA therapy for her ($20K for less than 20 hrs) Most families cannot do this for their kids (frankly I don't know how long we can) and their conditions only worsen without intervention. Just this past Tuesday Senate Bill 178 was passed thru the Senate with overwhelming support, but now it must go thru the Assembly which is Republican dominated and resistant to mandates. In fact they may not even allow it to come up for vote. We encourage anyone willing to help in this mission to please contact these State Representative and speak up on behalf of these children and tell them to vote yes on Assembly Bill 417. Here is a link to all Assembly Representatives http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly Specifically I will list the email addresses of the Representatives who have the power to bring this bill up for vote. Rep.huebsch@legis.wisconsin.gov,Rep.gottlieb@legis.wisconsin.gov, and Rep.fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov PLEASE ACT NOW-TIME IS RUNNING OUT...THIS WEDNESDAY (TOMORROW) IS THE DAY A DECISION WILL BE MADE!!! SPEAK UP FOR THESE CHILDREN WHO HAVE NO VOICE!!! THANK YOU!!! CHARLOTTE BOLLE
posted by CHARLOTTE AND TONY BOLLE-CLAUDIA'S PARENTS on 3/04/08 2:06: PM

It is amazing that so much remains unknown about Autism when it effects more families each and every day. I beieve that educating one another is the first step in many to come to provide these people with the services and support they need. My heart goes out to the families and people that are effected by this misunderstood disorder.
posted by Jennfier Moul on 3/04/08 1:15: PM

I work with adults with Autism. Usually adults are forgotten when campaigns like this are held. I support research and discovery related to Autism. When these children grow up they will be adults with Autism. In my experience many live fulfilling lives and certainly bring and share joy in this world. Autism is difficult - but we must not consider one unique aspect of the human experience to be 'tragic' or 'horrible' - we must invite all people into greater society. Peace
posted by Doug on 3/04/08 1:05: PM

I wish media and parents would stop spreading the misinformation regarding vaccinations. Medical professionals have DISPROVED this theory; it is only the media and parents that continue to circulate it mistakenly. I assure you I've known as many children with autism who never got vaccinations as those who have.
posted by mike on 3/04/08 12:28: PM

Don't be mislead by Jenny McCarthy's book!!!! I work with children with autism, and that diet does not actually CURE autism; it can improve autistic-like behaviors that manifest in SOME children who have gluten allergies, but there is NO CURE for autism. Nor should there be. It is NOT a disease; it is a difference. If you eliminated autism you would lose a whole population of wonderful personalities and unique perspectives. I thank God everyday that these children exist and that I am lucky enough to be a part of some of their lives. Help them toward independance, but don't try to change them because of what society wants to say is "best" for someone, or "normal"!! (Typical is really a better word anyway - what's normal?) These children - and adults - can be happy and functional, and do not need to be changed. I look forward to a world that realizes that.
posted by Caitlin on 3/04/08 12:23: PM

wow
posted by Katie on 3/04/08 11:51: AM

Every Child is special no matter what, Keep looking for a cure
posted by Mel on 3/04/08 11:14: AM

My nephew has autism, and is very low functioning and my sister has had to fight for years for help, so he does not hurt himself or someone around. He is now 6'3 and 17 years old. Without help, our family could get lost in all of the problems that are arising from a severly affected autistic child that desperatly needs professional help! We must find the reason first and unfortunately, that will only come with Government intervention
posted by Carla on 3/04/08 10:51: AM

We have a Grandson that has autism. He started a special school when he was four. He now goes potty alone or tells you he needs to go; sometimes needs help, flushes, and washes his hands. This may sound minor to some; however, it is wonderful for us. He talks more and more each day. Some words are more recognizable than others. He makes good eye contact, gives hugs, sings, and is learning to play better with other children. He can count, say his A-B-C's, and is just beginning to read at 4-1/2 years. Our children get no help with the expense of the school even though they were given a doctor's perscription. The insurance company says they do not have to pay. Their next step is to try to get help from the insurance board. These insurance companies need to take care of the people they have insured. The financial expenses are more than any low to middle class family can afford. We have never known anyone in the insurance business hurting.
posted by Dee on 3/04/08 10:44: AM

Check out Jenny McCarthy's book on her son's struggle with autism (after MMR shot) and how she fed him a diet that brought him back to normal. Autism is usually a result of metal poisoning from vaccinations.
posted by Tammy Dohr on 3/04/08 10:44: AM

Please!!!!! Educate yourself!....Stop immunizations!...Stop injecting our children w/this disease!
posted by Joy on 3/04/08 10:19: AM

Let's KEEP FIGHTING! Autism does speak, though it is sometimes left silent. She is a beautiful girl, and deserves all of the support that this public forum can garner! Keep it up!
posted by M on 3/04/08 10:15: AM

Many of my friends are dealing with Autism within their families and it is heart breaking! We must make the insurance companies and our government step up to the plate and help our children of tomorrow! Education within our communities is crucial and everyone should do their part to secure these forgotten children. God Bless Them!
posted by wendy on 3/04/08 10:03: AM

READ THIS NOTE FROM CLAUDIA'S FAMILY 3/4/08 WE NEED YOUR HELP...CLAUDIA AND THE CHILDREN OF WISCONSIN NEED YOU TO ACT NOW!!!!!!! As you know, we are quite active in pushing to see legislation passed in Wisconsin that would mandate insurance companies to cover treatment and therapies for Autism. Wisconsin does have a state funded program to provide funding, but has over 350 children sitting on the waiting list for services...it will be about 2 years for all of those children who need coverage today. Our last update indicates that Claudia is #357 on the list. In the meantime we are paying out of pocket for ABA therapy for her ($20K for less than 20 hrs) Most families cannot do this for their kids (frankly I don't know how long we can) and their conditions only worsen without intervention. Just this past Tuesday Senate Bill 178 was passed thru the Senate with overwhelming support, but now it must go thru the Assembly which is Republican dominated and resistant to mandates. In fact they may not even allow it to come up for vote. We encourage anyone willing to help in this mission to please contact these State Representative and speak up on behalf of these children and tell them to vote yes on Assembly Bill 417. Here is a link to all Assembly Representatives http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly Specifically I will list the email addresses of the Representatives who have the power to bring this bill up for vote. Rep.huebsch@legis.wisconsin.gov,Rep.gottlieb@legis.wisconsin.gov, and Rep.fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov PLEASE ACT NOW-TIME IS RUNNING OUT...THIS WEDNESDAY (TOMORROW) IS THE DAY A DECISION WILL BE MADE!!! SPEAK UP FOR THESE CHILDREN WHO HAVE NO VOICE!!! THANK YOU!!! CHARLOTTE BOLLE
posted by CHARLOTTE AND TONY BOLLE-CLAUDIA'S PARENTS on 3/04/08 9:26: AM

I help children with different therapies in AZ and am originally from WI. www.amystouch.com
posted by Amy Yelk on 3/04/08 8:40: AM

This program is a savior to our kids. With God's help he finds us a way. Thanks for sending this information. It was very good and a lot of us didn't even know about it.
posted by Debbie Dishman on 3/04/08 8:35: AM

If you have not read, "Louder Than Words" by Jenny McCarthy- do so. It may provide even a small window of hope:0)
posted by Tracy on 3/04/08 7:59: AM

I really appriciate this video to show people the needs of autisim. My brother has a very high case, and I wish more people knew about autisim.
posted by Nicole on 3/04/08 7:48: AM

Keep looking for a cure!
posted by denise on 3/04/08 7:44: AM

I pray that medical answers can be found for these precious little ones. My grandson is considered a mild case.
posted by Sue Brockman on 3/04/08 7:40: AM