Please READ, SHARE, & DONATE IF YOU CAN!

This is our son, Sean. He has severe autism, which for him means he is non-verbal (but makes loud repetetive noises known as echolalia), is not quite toilet-trained, and has sensory issues resulting from the overstimulation of the senses, which then triggers aggression and/or self-injurous behaviors. He is on several medications, requires help with all of life's daily needs like dressing, brushing his teeth, etc., and requires constant supervision because of wandering, which can have deadly consequences. Classic autism is hard. Period. For the individual and the families there is very little as far as resources or respite, and financially can be devastating. Quite frankly, we can't even find a primary care doctor willing to treat our son because of how difficult he is. That, in itself, is heartbreaking.

The one thing I can tell you about my big, beautiful boy is that he does understand when others say things to him or about him. And I know he loves us--his family. As parents, we want to give our children every opportunity, but we haven't been able to do so because Sean doesn't receive any services or waivers through the state, and our personal insurance does not cover autism. As you can imagine services are expensive. Applied Behavior Analysis can be upwards of $5000 a month. A residential center is typically $15,000 or more a month, plus the cost of therapies at $200 or more an hour. These things are absolutely beyond our reach.

I know it may be hard for many folks to understand that, yes, we're begging, because we desperately need help. For now the goal is to raise enough money to pay for legal fees associated with gaining court appointed guardianship of Sean, which we must do for both medical and legal reasons by the age of 18. If we are fortunate enough to raise more funds than needed for legal fees please know that not a penny of it will be wasted--we desperately need so much for him and his specific needs, which unfortunately are never ending (see below for a list). We are in serious debt from years of therapies, repairs, medical issues, and expenses creating a safe environment suitable Sean.

What better time to ask for your help than during April, which is Autism Awareness Month and Sean's birthday month. 

So this is where you come in. You can donate (which would be great and I will be forever grateful). Or if you can't donate you can simply share this page. That would be just as helpful to help me get the word out there. 

I thank you, and Sean thanks you. My entire family thanks you.

BTW, if you're a friend, use my email address on Paypal. Just remember to send as a "friend or family" so no fees are charged.

Other things needed include a new memory foam mattress (he breaks spring mattresses & box springs), tons more vinyl-lined waterproof mattress pads, a STURDY rocking chair we can wash off in the shower (he broke his last one because he rocks so much--rocking soothes the vestibular system), replacement of a broken shower base and windows (he was jumping, pacing & charging... it was really fun for him), more key pad door locks, more alarms around the house, help with cost of medications, therapies, adult wipes, and so much more. A large expense is the cost of commerical-grade waterproof flooring we put down in his room (Home Depot credit loves us). Remember he's not completely urine or bowel trained and trust me--lots of accidents happen daily, which is why we needed the waterproof flooring & why we have to replace his mattress yearly. 

PLEASE SHARE AND DONATE IF YOU CAN! THANK YOU!