How This Works

Your story is very much like ours. Our son had many medical issues, surgeries, and was always being poked and messed with. When he regressed and stopped speaking we wrote it off to muscle weakness and when he withdrew we said it was lack of trust. At 18-months a Doctor told us he had PDD-NOS, Severe Sensory Intergration Disorder, and Failure to Thrive. Autism was never spoken. I was devisted to learn that was Autism. I went to another Doctor, similar diagnosis. I finally found a Doctor willing to say delays due to medical conditions, FTT due to medical, and Sensory Issues due to medical. Then I was able to recieve insurance assistance for treatment above and beyond Early Steps. The catch was only 20-visits per year for OT,Speech, and PT. No ABA. Early Steps had NO ABA available. I was blessed to have a WONDERFUL OT that taught me so much and I read all I could. Therapy was first, Vitamins/probotics second, IgG- testing third, and severe diet changes last. After one year: He is thriving (almost 25%), stomache is much better, Lungs are strong (no hospitilizations), no drugs (other than minor asthma during a cold), he speaks perfect( everything he does is perfect), he hugs us, he shows love, he is a great little boy, and he is proof that early intense intervention works. He is intergrated in a Pre-K class and doing wonderful (recieving OT, Speech and PT weekly). What would have happened if we didn't know? His diagnosis is now:Possible Developing Aspergers...
posted by Christine on 1/27/08 10:00: PM

AWESOME!!!!! 1 down, so many more to go! God Bless & Good Luck Always, Melissa
posted by Melissa on 1/27/08 9:08: PM

You have a beutiful child I'm glad could recieve help.
posted by Lauren on 1/27/08 8:12: PM

As a former behavior therapist, I know how crucial therapy can be for young children who live with autism. It breaks my heart that it is not offered to all children. I cried when a child I was working with was turned away after only a few months of therapy. He had just began to say words. His parents were immigrants who did not know how to work the system. For them, and so many other families out there, I hope more legislation like this passes. I hope Lili's story can help bring about this change.
posted by Megan on 1/27/08 5:12: PM

very moving
posted by record on 1/27/08 4:43: PM

Thank you for the movie it was touching.
posted by Asa Wright on 1/27/08 12:43: PM

What a lovely show and story of your daughter's journey. You are so fortunate to have that "family angel" and even moreso to live in a state that has mandated insurance companies to do the right thing for these kids. Uplifting story...Congratulations on your daughter's progress! She is adorable and quite lucky to have you! It gives us much hope to hear your story. Ironincally, Claudia was born in Rock Hill, SC and we moved when she turned 1. It kills me to think that she could have her ABA covered if only we still lived there...we're spending our life's savings while we wait on the state's waiting list for services (expected to be 2 years). Can't dwell on that though, just need to keep pushing to see it happen in Wisconsin. Thank you for sharing!
posted by Charlotte Bolle- Claudia's mom and creator of "Change Her World" on 1/27/08 5:42: AM

This video was beautiful, All children with autism need theraphy in a early age. It's a shame that some Ins don't want to pay. I know that with my son If he did'nt have speech at a young age he would not be talking today at 17.
posted by Leslie on 1/26/08 9:53: PM

The beauty of these children and the world they show to us open pathways unimagined..... We love our son Joshuah, who's autism brought us a new world of understanding just like Lilian....
posted by stephanie on 1/26/08 6:54: PM

Such a beautiful child who has been through alot.God bless and best wishes for a bright future
posted by kay faglie on 1/26/08 5:55: PM

This is a great video!
posted by Chris on 1/26/08 5:35: PM

Blessings to you. I have a friend with a son with PDD. He really does light up her life. You are fortunate that you live in a state that has progressive laws to protect your child. Your video is beautiful. God bless your daughter.
posted by Rita on 1/26/08 5:34: PM

That was beautiful. I have an 11 year old son with autism, and I know what it is like to fight to get what they need. I hope one day there will be a day when such a fight is not needed because autism will be curable.
posted by Christy~Meet our Chris on 1/26/08 5:23: PM

I am also a parent with a child diagnosed with autism. I also work for one of the largest insurance companies in the nation. I fight internally for every case I see. I am so happy for your daughter and share your miracle as my Solomon begins to say his first words at 3 after his first two months of treatment.
posted by Tamara on 1/26/08 1:31: PM

I'm a nursing student from CA and I've just been made aware of this epidemic---I'm awed and humbled by the strength and perseverance of families like yours. I plan to focus my career on treatment, advocacy, and legislation for these kids. Thanks so much.
posted by Marina on 1/26/08 1:01: PM

Very moving ... may the lord bless your child, and all suffering children!
posted by SomeoneWhoCanSee on 1/26/08 9:53: AM

As therapy progressed, the joyful expressions and many smiles on Lili's precious face told a story of success ~ for Lili, her parents, therapists, teachers, and all of us who give by caring and care enough to give. God Bless, KatyRose
posted by KatyRose on 1/26/08 9:09: AM

posted by Don Montgomery on 1/26/08 9:00: AM

Wonderful video! Very well done! You're daughter is beautiful! And your video is an inspiration. Our son was just diagnosed at age 1. He's in Early Intervention and seeing stories of progress like yours provides a sense of hope we all could use. Thank you!
posted by Dave Baranowski on 1/26/08 8:40: AM

very nice video. you have a beautiful daughter. I'm so thankful that in PA we have services for our son.
posted by Shawn on 1/26/08 7:04: AM