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In the summer of 2009, we learned that our 3 year old son, Christian, is Autistic. The first day after we found out we were upset and sad for our son. We were trying to understand and grasp the idea of this diagnosis. Day two, we spent the day trying to find out about treatments for our son. We learned about all these Biomedical treatments that were working for thousands of families all over the country. Yay! What an inspiration to know that there is hope for our precious son. So we knew what to do next: Call our insurance company and find out about our coverage. Day three after finding out about Christian being autistic, we hit the phone calling our insurance company. We were shocked by what we were told by our insurance company. Insurance DOES NOT cover all treatments for Autism. What?! Really?! Why?! They cover for us to send our son to a psychiatrist for necessary evaluations and medications (Psychiatric medication) and for some therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. However this coverage is typically very limited by most carriers. Other therapies that have been shown to be powerful in helping Autistic children, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), are not covered at all by insurance companies. These therapies have been proven in their effectiveness in helping children with Autism. It was then laid heavily on our hearts to do something. We needed to not only help our son however we have to, but we need to create an awareness of this. There are millions of families out there in the same position as we are in, and we need to do something to help all the voices that are crying for help even louder. This is our mission:1- We hope to help create Autism Awareness through this website with information. We have all heard about Autism on the news and have seen the puzzle piece ribbon. But do we really know what Autism is, or what families are going through to get treatment for their children? Before we found out about Christian's Autism, we had no idea exactly what Autism was, or that families were being fought tooth and nail from the insurance companies and doctors to get help for their children.
2- We hope to help create Autism Awareness through our favorite recreational sport-Racing....doing relays, 5k's, half marathons and triathlons. Also, we want to give others the opportunity to create awareness while they race or train. We have created shirts that can be purchased and worn to show your support and help promote autism awareness.
Why insurance companies won't recognize Autism as a treatable disorder and provide the appropriate coverage for families seems unbelievable, but is a very real reality for millions of families. There are ways to help these kids, and there is something in our hearts and heads yelling this, and we believe this with every part us. We believe there is a way to help our son and millions of kids out there. We hope that our small voices can help make a difference!
Questions? Contact us at support@itri4autism.com
Join our team for the St. Louis, Walk Now for Autism. This event is put on by Autism Speaks and all proceeds from the donations we raise on our team page go directly to Autism Speaks and to the research for finding a cure for Autism. Please consider making a donation to Autism Speaks or joining our team and walking with us on October 9th, 2010. All donations made to Autism Speaks are 100% tax deductible!
