Help June Get an Autism Assessment

I remember the moment when June’s doctor said she might be autistic. She was 3.5 years old, and I brought her in to discuss the possibility that she might have ADHD like Caleb & I. But after interviewing her, the doctor turned to me and said, “I think she’s actually on the spectrum.” I was completely bewildered. I’d worked with autistic boys in the past who were non verbal. June was the opposite - a very early talker. “Yes, that isn’t uncommon for girls on the spectrum,” the doctor said. For every “okay, but” I had, she gave had an answer for how it might be autism.

Fast forward two years. She’s in Kindergarten and the feedback continues to be, “she needs an autism assessment so she can have support next year.” We’ve also been working with a local child development agency that has been advocating on her behalf. Originally, she had funding from an anonymous donation through her school district to have her assessment done this year. But that fell through due to school politics. So, now the agency has encouraged me to start a GoFundMe to raise the cost of her assessment, which would take place in June if we meet our goal. Otherwise, the wait is 2-3 years through public healthcare.

Why is a diagnosis important? June has relied heavily on a support person this year, but they won’t be available to her next year without the diagnosis. The school feels strongly that she needs the supports in place for her to be successful in Grade 1. She’s very intelligent, but struggles socially and emotionally, as well as with executive functioning and rigidity. A diagnosis is also important because it would mean she would have an Individual Education Plan, as well as having accommodations in place to support her in other ways at school. It also would mean she would then qualify to have funding for various therapies with specialists, and have access to other government resources.

At the end of the day, we just want June to thrive. And because we are being urged by specialists who understand autism in girls to have her assessed ASAP, we believe this is the right direction to pursue. She is such a bright star, and we want to make sure she can shine that light by getting the supports she needs as her beautiful brain develops.

What the $2900 will cover:

We appreciate you taking the time to read this. And a huge thank you to everyone who decides to donate.