Waiting for help
I came across an interesting article on the long wait to get children with autism therapy in the MJS. According to the article, “[h]undreds of children with autism aren’t getting the therapeutic aid many medical experts say represents their best hope of attaining a normal life.” As the parent of an autistic four year-old, I can speak firsthand about the long wait for therapy. Nick was first diagnosed as autistic over a year ago, and despite completing and submitting the Medicaid paperwork right away, we’re still on the waiting list for Medicaid. As a result, Nick has to go without the therapy that everyone agrees would be so beneficial to his continued development. In fact, here’s an interesting quote from the MJS article:
Although there is no known cure for autism spectrum disorders, or developmental disorders characterized by impairments of social functioning and both verbal and non-verbal communication, studies show that some children with autism are able to achieve near-normal functioning through a rigorous combination of speech, occupational and physical therapies.
What’s so frustrating for Patti and I is the fact that we both know Nick would would make so much progress if just given the right chances. Nick’s incredibly bright, and pretty much every “expert” - teachers, doctors, etc. - who have interacted with him have agreed his is a very mild case of autism, which is obviously a good thing, but it also serves to add to our frustration. As a parent, I just want the best for my son, and that includes the best possible treatment to help him deal with his autism. I wish I could afford the $40,000 per year for the therapy Nick needs, but I can’t, and that kills me.