A new CDC study released points to the rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is now 1 in 50 up from last year’s findings of 1 in 88. While the methods in getting these numbers are debated, one fact remains; families are struggling with the presence of Autism in their daily lives. As we work to find a cause, cure or even a consistently successful treatment time is marching on. These families more than ever, need society as a whole to do a better job supporting kids with special needs. Programs like a weekly respite, parent training, affordable or even free therapy, and in home case management should be the norm and not the exception. If we took cost off the table and just looked at what a perfect world scenario would be, it might look like this…
Child is diagnosed, and immediately is provided with tools, therapies, medications and parent training. Parents would be assigned a team leader to focus specifically on what the family needs and would be in the home and school observing the child and the family once or twice a week. In this way the family would have some guidance with their child and the ever changing family dynamic. The team leader would be in charge of using their knowledge and networks to find programs and activities that would be beneficial to the child and the family. Over time, the family would be able to confidently take over the role of team leader for themselves and only utilize the team leader services when needed.
What really happens is that the child is diagnosed and the overwhelmed parent is sent away with a stack of paper to fill out and a list of some potential resources to wade through. If they qualify for a state program, a case worker might be assigned, but only visit once every 6 – 12 months for an hour or so. Parents find that the things that they can see their child needs are either not covered by insurance, or only partially covered and are ridiculously overpriced. Their endless quest for knowledge about their child’s condition and adjustment to a word not yet suited to kids who don’t fit the norm keeps their stress level up most of the time. This new report on the number of kids with some form of Autism serves to highlight the increasing number of families struggling with special needs kids that could use some help.
Comments