When I became a mother, I never knew what to expect. There are things you expect as a parent to happen; first steps, first words, first days at school. But when you're a parent of three neurodivergent children, you realize this country and the way they treat them is far from what you call ideal.

 

In February 2020, my oldest child Alarick was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 2. He barely spoke, the tantrums and meltdowns were severe and the overall stresses of day-to-day life weighed down on our family until we barely had energy left to work our nine-to-five jobs. In June of 2020, my middle child Davyn followed in his oldest brother's footsteps with an autism diagnosis. This past month, my youngest Hendrix was tested for Autism Spectrum Disorder and we are awaiting and expecting a diagnosis within the next two weeks.

 

Both of my oldest children have attended an ABA therapy clinic since their diagnoses. Seeing them progress with the help of dedicated therapists has been nothing short of a miracle to watch unfold. Unfortunately, this therapy would not be possible without the help of private health insurance through my husband's and I's employers.

 

In April of 2020, I had to leave my job to stay home with my children to ensure they had the support outside of the therapy to have continued success. With that came a change in health insurance companies. We got settled into my husband's health insurance easily and all was well until my husband's job security was at risk.

 

In May of this year, my husband took a position with a new company. The position requires him to live six and a half hours away from home for two years. We knew the sacrifice would be difficult, but also had faith that in two years time, we would be financially set for the foreseeable future. Today I learned this company specifically excludes coverage for ABA therapy, unbeknownst to me and my husband. I was informed today that the therapy that is helping my children hit milestones I never thought possible will end next Thursday on June 30 if we cannot find appropriate coverage.

 

After doing some research, I found coverage through the ACA that would cost more than our family can afford with the bills we already have. I am hoping that the kindness and generosity of other families out there would allow us to continue the services my children so desperately need. Any little bit helps.