ABA therapy for Grayson

This is Grayson. At the time of this posting he is 15 years old.  

Grayson has severe autism and is legally blind due to a condition called "Optic Nerve Hypoplasia" which means that his optic nerves never fully developed. 

Behaviors related to autism are often intense and destructive. He hurts himself when he has behavioral outbursts. He says "I blooded me."









As a single mom I struggled to help Grayson control these behaviors for years. It was such a relief when he became eligible to receive ABA therapy a little over three years ago.  We have documented proof that this therapy has helped Grayson.  He went from daily meltdowns lasting upwards of 45-60 minutes at a time to one or two per week. These usually don't last longer than 5-10 minutes. He is able to redirect more easily and calm himself down. The intensity of these behavioral outbursts has decreased tremendously. 

Grayson received SSI for most of his life based on his disabilites and my income.  (SSI is insurance and monetary assistance for low income families and individuals)

However, in May 2014 I graduated, with honors, from nursing school.

I saw this as a way to better provide for Grayson and his needs and not rely on public assistance any longer. Since then he has lost federal medical coverage and has had to turn to private insurance.  Unfortunately there is no private insurance which is available to him which covers ABA therapy. 

While under federal medical coverage Grayson regularly used around 16 hours of ABA therapies monthly, although he was approved for up to 28. In the month of December 2015 - his first month without federal coverage I was able to pay for weekly therapy sessions equaling 9 hours and $720 in total. 

We are seeking funds to help offset these tremendously increased costs. I am still a single parent with one income paying for two separate insurances for Grayson and me. I just do not have the resources to provide what he needs and have decided to swallow my pride and ask for help. 

Grayson is a well-loved young man. He is engaging and funny. He is smart and well intentioned. He loves school, Perry the Platypus, Star Wars, the Bible, and singing *his* versions of songs.  He loves people. 

Grayson doesn't often let on that he can read - but he does (in a limited manner.) He is still perfecting eating with utensils and putting clothes on.  He needs less one on one help at school than ever before.  

The funds collected here will only be used to cover the cost of ABA therapies which have helped Grayson so much. 

The total amount of this fund is for 4 sessions per month for one year. Even if he could do 2 sessions per month he would benefit greatly. I can't take his autism away - but I can help him function to the best of his ability. 

Every $720 received will cover one month of therapy (4 sessions).

My boy is my heart. I cannot begin to express the depth of my gratitude for any help we receive. If you know me - you know I'm already in tears typing this.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

~Grayson's Mom