As many of you know, my son Chase is special needs. He is diagnosed with Non-verbal Autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, PICA, and sleep difficulties. He is now a 9-year-old, 3rd grader at Locust Grove Elementary School. Chase is trying really hard to learn communication with his assistive talking device. I am still unable to know if Chase is hurting or scared or being bullied at school. We have been working with many doctors and advocates to make sure Chase gets the therapies, medicines, and equipment he needs for his own safety. Unfortunately, insurance isn't willing to cover many things. We were able to get a custom seat for the car for him so he is safe and secure, as he was unaware that unbuckling and roaming the car while we drove is very dangerous. We were also hoping to get a custom medical stroller for him. Unfortunately, insurance denied us not once but twice. They do not feel that Chase’s safety is enough to warrant a chair, among other things. Chase is very unaware of the dangers when we go out; he has often just run into the road or decided to sit in the middle of a parking lot due to being overstimulated. At 78 pounds, I am unable to pick him up and move on like when he was littler. He has eloped a few times, even at school. Having to deal with the emotions and anxiety daily also weighs on me, which then makes the kids express the same feelings.

I was hoping to get this stroller for him for many reasons:

Most importantly, his safety

Keeping him in a secure environment to help with overstimulation

To be able to do more family things together, as I usually have to stay home with Chase because we are worried about eloping and unable to communicate as he is nonverbal. I miss out on a lot of special things for my other kids.

We are not a family to ever reach out, especially for money to help. However, we were given a small timeline to purchase his custom chair at the price the insurance would have had to pay.

I am going to attach some photos of the chair and will also attach the denial letter and the breakdown we were given for this equipment.

We appreciate any and all help to enhance Chase’s life and let him experience more.