Help Unlock Charlie's Voice

Hi family, friends, and strangers ❤️ As you may or may not know, our Charlie is an amazing, smart, beautiful 6 year old boy with autism! Charlie started receiving services before his second birthday for speech and functional delays and received a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder right after he turned 3. Having this diagnosis allowed us access to new therapies and supplies to support his development. Thanks to his therapy team, Charlie has begun speaking and is thriving in school. While Charlie is repeating words and can say some phrases, he is not using much functional language to have his needs met. He is currently unable to hold a conversation.

About a year ago I read an article involving a study being done to help with the symptoms of autism in children using a medication called Leucovorin. The studies have shown great improvement in speech, stimming behaviors, and socialization overall. After reading more of the studies and joining a discussion group where I spoke with families who have used it with their children, many have said that it is life changing. I brought the information to Charlie's pediatrician and developmental pediatrician. His doctors seem hopeful that this medication could help Charlie be able to socialize better and connect more with others.

Now for the reason for this fundraiser; this medication that seems to promise huge benefits with little risk is of course not covered by insurance and neither are the appointments associated with it. In order to have the Leucovorin prescribed, Charlie will need to undergo a full evaluation by an out of network psychiatrist, will need bloodwork, and then he will have follow up appointments every 3-4 weeks while on the medication.

While we want to do everything in our power to give Charlie his best chance, the expense of all of this isn't currently sustainable for our family. Which is why we're turning to our friends and family for support. This could very much unlock more of world for Charlie if he is able to talk and play with his brother, cousins, and friends. He would have the chance to connect on a deeper level to the people he loves. This could break down the barriers that make his daily life unnecessarily harder. Leucovorin does not cure autism, but it could significantly help Charlie and our family manage its effects on him. As his parents, we want to give Charlie every advantage and support we can in life so that he can be happy and successful, right now we just need a little help to do that.