I think the step up for students program should be in all 50 states like it's here in Florida. Writing legislatures to encourage this is very important. Another thing we can do is reach out to each and every person who plays a role in their lives. For example, I send progress videos to the makers of Rileys curriculum and they are so proud of her. It's doing things like that... that make us want more and more knowledge about autism while at the same time informing everyone of what our children are capable of. I hope this helps :)

@A MyAutismTeam Member Hello how are you doing? How was your weekend? It was nice speaking with you even if it was brief. I did get a hold of the place we spoke of and they were no help. Thank for looking out for me. I am still waiting to hear back from the insurance to see what the next step is. I was able to visit yesterday and it went well. He is doing ok. Hope all is well for you. I hope all goes well for your hearing tomorrow. I will be thinking about you.

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A MyAutis...

We need Pres. Trump to sign an executive order to get rid of waiting lists and get our children the services we need. Working class people can give it up if anywhere one dollar over the poverty line. Writing our legislators is good, but these waiting lists are at least ten years long as it was with my son languishing in Virginia. It took ten years. Whereas in California, he qualified for services and got them right away. It is the only way my son got the extra services he needed. Had I known that Cali did not have waiting lists, we would have been here sooner. And as I have discussed with some of you, not all the Regional Centers here are created equally. The Westside Regional Center is very generous as my son gets services that have helped him tremendously. Only an executive order will fix this.

I was hopeful when Pres. Obama said that he would pass legislation to have children tested by age two. Eight years and no change at all, unless you count the term Mental Retardation. No other president has done a thing to change this so it would not hurt to ask our current POTUS regardless of how you feel about him. I am not interested in turning my response into an Anti-Trump post. I just think if someone could get his attention, he would do what he could to change this for struggling families who have no hope just because they work. I know he is interested in why the number of children diagnosed has grown so much recently according to the CDC, and that is great, but how about immediate relief for those already diagnosed and languishing on the ridiculously long wait lists? https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2017/02/17/trum...

The wealthy don't have these issues. The extreme poor can get the help. The middle class loses again. People mortgage their homes and still run out of money trying to get services for autistic and special needs Insurance mandates have done little to help overall. Our children deserve a chance at the best life possible and most states except Cali have years long waiting lists. Relief at the federal level is how I see this being fixed as each state determines its own Medicaid Waver. This is a national travesty and disgrace and our special ones deserve better!

Great info on the DD waiver
http://medicaidwaiver.org/index.html

Florida father in need of help.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-flori...

Where we live, they " try" to keep from providing services, but "WE"as parents have to fight to our last breath to get services provided for them. Write your political represntatives. Have autism meetings where you can pool together knowledge and resources, and start a plan. Talk to your local tv personalities and newspapers. They always love an "underdog" story.
But we aren't underdogs, we are the most important advocates and smiles in their lives. There should be a special Olympics group you can join-fun for kids while you are networking.
Love, prayers, hugs, blessings, smiles and strong shoulders.
Love
Beth Ann

It seems that states that pay less to workers-minimum wage, etc. Have more autistic children. Is it due to poor health when pregnant, or what? I had great prenatal care, (even though I had constant morning sickness) Maybe it is genetic, who knows? Here in NC. We have IDEA. It is the program that asserts the rights to everyone to get an individualized education plan. Also, not far from my home, we have two excellent children's hospitals. They specialize in pediatric problems, only. I wish I had the answers, not just experience. I love you all and wish I could fix this situation for us all. If you want to pick my brain, hit me up.
Prayers, hugs, love, blessings, and smiles.
Beth Ann