This is my first blog, yes I am behind the times. I am a newly stay-at-home mother of 3, my oldest son has autism. My husband and I have been married 11 + years and according to statistics, I am one of the 14% who has support and help from her spouse. We have been using the traditional school therapies and biomedical treatments to combat our son's autism. I am interested in others' opinions on the "diet", chelation, vaccination effects, and other therapies.
My first question is should we be getting therapists for the summer beyond the extended school year? What about on the weekends during school? We have always followed what the school district told us and no one mentioned additional therapies beyond what the school provides.
Second, Is anyone successful in getting refunds or coverage for treatments from their insurance company? My next battle is with the insurance company and getting tax breaks for medical expenses.
Thanks!
When our son was diagnosed
When our son was diagnosed at 3 with autism, we immediately got a caseworker (you can get a list or organizations from DHS) and she gave us answers to a lot of our questions. Also, our school provide our son with everything he needed from OT to Speech, etc. Also, they assumed he would be in summer school so as not to relapse or forget what he had learned all school year. After school is done this year, he will continue 3 hours a day, four days a week for five weeks and then have August off. That is my time to get creative. Lots of work :). Our son is high functioning and finishing first grade this year. He is pretty aggressive but the teachers have been very patient with him. Check out your local school before your child starts to see what they have for special ed programs, buses, etc. This is also all that your caseworker is for. They can do a lot of the footwork and hunting for answers to questions for you and find hidden pockets of money, maybe, for after school programs, summer programs, etc. Oh, yes, my son also has MaineCare under Katie Becket for medical coverage. I am not sure where you live, but check to see what your state has for the disabled for coverage. Another thing your caseworker will know. Good luck! I wish you the best.