So nervous...and PLEASE HELP!

Tyler is at Annie's preschool/daycare all day today as school got out yesterday and we didn't have any other options. He usually gets bussed to Annie's after school and arrives around 2:30 and then gets picked up around 5:00 so an all day 8 - 5:00 stay makes me nervous although I'm sure he'll be great. Most, if not all, of the kids in his class are typical. I think there are 6 or so classrooms in the building, plus infant and toddler rooms and at least 3 playground/areas. It's a big place! Hopefully he's doing great.

Rumor has it Tyler did great yesterday with the ADOS at UMACC. We love to help them out and allow Tyler to be their test subject for training purposes. Big thanks to Grandpa for handling it for us as neither Steve or I could get out of work. Lots going on with both of us on the work front, creating lots of chaos in our scheduling and logistics.

Speaking of which, we are sad that we cannot attend the net workgroup session for autism insurance in Michigan. If anyone has the time and/or will be in the area, we need your help. It will be on Monday, June 21st from 12-2 pm. The workgroup will be held at the Detroit Medical Center's Children's Hospital Auditorium. A link to a map and parking instructions can be found here. Parking is available in the garage for $2.50 or you can choose to valet park (also, for a fee).
The auditorium seats 250 people- we need it packed with standing room only! Please wear your AIM shirts to show your support. If you do not have one, they can be purchased by going to Autism-Ask or a limited quantity will be available for only $5 on Monday. Everyone is welcome, so please plan to be there!!

If you cannot attend...write your local newspaper editors: Here's the info you need:

Letters to the Editor
Please write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper this week, ASAP! We are trying to get as much coverage of this issue as we can! Listed below are some key themes and points, as suggested by Dave Meador, who is going to be one of the speakers on Monday. Feel free to use these key talking points in your letter or create your own, with the theme being that it is time for the Senate leadership to take action NOW!
Key points:
Autism Insurance Reform in Michigan equals at least $14 billion more in savings for Michigan, a state in desperate need of reform. This is a conservative estimate.Michigan's 15,000 children with autism do not have access to the medically proven therapies that can move at least half of them to normal function. While the cause and cure of autism are not known, these proven therapies are not covered by Michigan’s insurance companies. Of the savings, $200,000 per child would go to the schools over their school life.That is why 22 states have rapidly passed this legislation and another 21 are on their way. Autism reform legislation equals at least $14 billion in savings to Michigan, $3 billion of that to the schools. It allows children a chance at a productive life and new jobs for health care professionals. Reform doesn't get much better.We encourage the Michigan Senate to continue to provide leadership and move on this legislation before the summer recess.Goal:Most Michigan Insurance Policies exclude coverage for medically proven therapies for children with autism. We are seeking to become the 23th State to pass insurance reform that would provide therapies including, but not limited to Therapeutic evaluations and interventions, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment for Young Children - Intensive early intervention, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Psychological Services, Psychiatric Services The case for change is has been made and the time for action is NOW.

I am tearing up now thinking about the struggles our family faces, the dynamics of it all, and how it affects so many areas of our lives that you couldn't even imagine. Insurance coverage for just speech alone would free up $400 a month which we could use to pay for music therapy for example or use to pay Tyler's supplements which we typically end up putting on a credit card or can be used for a family vacation we are trying to plan someday so we can be a normal family on occasion. Not to mention how much it will help Tyler.. we want more services for him but we are doing all we can do now. You saw yesterday's post..the sky is the limit given the right resources and not providing coverage is discrimination. It's SO HARD on families. TACA reported 3 deaths this past week of parents who actually murdered their child who had autism. how horrific is that....these parents need more support and affordable services. So please do what you can do. xoxoxooxoxoxoxoo