How This Works

I have three children and my youngest son is autistic. We were fortunate that he was diagnosed around the age of two and we began therapy immediately. In the first year we spent nearly %16,000.00 on testing and therapy, and thousands per year since then, and none of it was covered by insurance. I am happy to say that it was worth every penny because we were given a miracle. My son is now seven and in a typical first grade classroom without the help of an aide. The therapies work!! Not every child will have the same progress that my son had but every child will make progress, I've seen it. The insurance companies need to help, our children deserve it.
posted by Tracy Mazjel on 4/12/08 4:30: AM

These kids are little angels. I am the mother of one of them.........
posted by Diane Gurley on 4/12/08 1:35: AM

My name is Jessica .. I have a 3 yr old with Autism and a 5 month old with Down's. I love my boys more then anything in the world.. and the rejection from society is crazy.. It's such a common disorder yet no one seems to know anything about it and are not understanding about it. I hope they can help raise awareness so everyone can understand this disorder and be more understanding about what it's like to live a day in a house hold with a special needs child.. anyone wish to contact me my email is armymomma704@yahoo.com.. thanks and god bless
posted by Jessica on 4/11/08 9:51: PM

I am a mom of 6 children and thank god everyday for their health, I hope this video helps to inform everyone that we need to start making changes in our health care system here, insurance companys don't want to cover much of anything it seems and that is not right. I pray that my children and myself don't get sick because I am one of the many that can't afford or get health insurance. What is our world coming to, we need to stop and think about this and do something about it! My prayers go to all children who suffer with this and god bless their parents!
posted by Lynn on 4/11/08 4:48: PM

This is a really informational video. I feel for this family. I am doing a report on autism for my college science class and this has provided me with lots of information. THankyou for posting this. I hope CLaudia is doing better. Jasmine Bans
posted by Jasmine on 4/11/08 12:25: PM

I work with children with developmental and cognitive disabilities, most of whom have Autism. They are some of the most beautiful and creative children I have had the privilege of encountering. I wouldn't trade my experiences - both good and bad - for anything. I do not have children of my own at this point, but I wish all parents with a child with a disability the best of luck and remember to love and keep pushing forward. Autism IS being talked about and researched more, unfortunately it is too late for many. Hope is coming. . . please believe
posted by Katherine on 4/11/08 10:49: AM

I have 2 boys with "AUTISM". I love my 2 boys with all my heart. A close family member asked me a couple of days that if I regreted having children with this tipe of problem. I responded that for me is not a problem because I have accepted how they are. I feel that a gesture like a hug or a kiss or just a smile it's more meaningful coming from a child with a dissability. If I could turm back time I would not change one thing from my 2 little guys.
posted by MIguel Rodriguez on 4/11/08 9:27: AM

my son has autism.so far i m getting speech therapy for free but for summer speech camp the regional center wants me to pay portion of the amount. actually i did pay some amount last year but i m confused when i talk to some parents they said they donot have to pay and they never ask for the tax return paper.need some advise because the camp is expensive.
posted by srijana shrestha on 4/11/08 8:38: AM

Thanks Elaine and Raymond for the information and yes I agree people just needs to be reminded to love.
posted by Kit Sy on 4/11/08 7:19: AM

I hope that people will remember to love. I have seen so much social rejection towards my autistic son that I decided to prepare an informative website to help people understand him better. When someone takes the time to talk to my 18 year old son he gives them a bus card directing people to his site. You may find this Autism resource site helpful to you or someone you know. Visit us at: www.freewebs.com/raysautismpage/index.htm Thank you, Elaine & Ray
posted by Elaine & Raymond on 4/11/08 6:53: AM

It is about time more recognition is given to this sad condition!
posted by Ron Baron on 4/11/08 6:36: AM

I CAN'T BELIEVE INSURANCE COMPANIES DON'T COVER THIS. SHAME ON US!
posted by NANCY CAVALLLIN(CANADA) on 4/11/08 6:23: AM

I hope that they will soon put it into legislation for these amazing children to recieve the care and treatment that they need. I do not believe a cure is what we need to get it is to learn to accomadate the child's difficulties so she/he is unique to the world but accepted. I work with autistic children and I know of a case where one of the pupils was 11 before he was diagnosed as the doctors kept saying he was slow. There needs to be more training to professional so they can diagnos earlyer in life.
posted by Jade on 4/11/08 2:01: AM

Im a mom of a 6 y/o mildly autistic boy, Nathan, he got diagnosed with autism when he was 4 year and 2 mos in the Philippines, and we've been doing Behavior modefication, OT and ST there for 2 years, he's been great, although he's 1 and a half year late with his development and lagging for 4 years on his speech, we thought that US is a good place for him, that the States have more resources and support when it comes to children with this kind of situation, and we strive to have him come here, but the biggest disappointment came when the insurance cannot even handle his Speech therapy due to technicality " they cover speech for infantile autism under the age of 5" and he's 6 y/o, he couldn't even avail for ABA therapy. I know I'm not alone in this battle, it's nothing new but I just wish that the insurance companies can be more compassionate with this children, not because I have a son that is in this predicament,but for me, the biggest injustice done is when you favor person that suffered from an ailment that is sometimes caused by their choice and denies/fights for the services that this children needs, they never wanted this to happen to them, but it happened and the least thing that they can do is to look at it and have the heart to help, a parent's love can sometimes not be enough, they need a lot of help. Thanks for promoting awareness on this matter, Let their voices be heard!
posted by Kit Sy on 4/10/08 11:06: PM

I HOPE THEY FIND A CURE SOON GOD BLESS EVERYONE MAY EVERONE BE HAPPY AND LIVE LIFE THE BEST WAY YOU CAN LOVE AND GOD BLESS ALL
posted by Turitto Family on 4/10/08 11:01: PM

Thanks, for all the support out there. We all just need to keep fighting and someday we will discover a cure to break the silence of Autism.
posted by Chris Twigg on 4/10/08 9:44: PM

my grandosn is autisic, aspberger, and tyrette syndrome, and it was not until he was 4 that someone took a interest into what was going on with him/ it was so hard to see his behavior, go badly, and i swear it happen right after he got his mmr shots. please help to find a cure or why this ishappening to to many. thanks
posted by MARY HEIDER on 4/10/08 6:36: PM

Beautiful.
posted by Sandy on 4/10/08 6:34: PM

is there a petition to sign or a legistlative lobby to contact.
posted by al &connie on 4/10/08 4:44: PM

My daughter has asperger's and, while she is high functioning, meets with a lot problems in the "social" world. We didn't find out she was autistic until 6th grade and asperger's until she was 10th grade. She graduated in 2005!! Thank you all for working for a cure.
posted by elizabeth on 4/10/08 3:39: PM