A family with a child with autism will fund 3 to 5 million dollars of services throughout the lifetime of the child.

Statistics show that Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States today. This means that without adequate healthcare coverage the parents will have to pay out of the pocket costs for physical, occupational and speech therapy. They may also need psychological, feeding, social and behavioral (ABA) therapy. By paying these out of pocket costs you might have to cut corners somewhere which in turn means if you do have other kids they might be punished by your crucial decision to provide your special needs child with the care they deserve. Many parents are working second jobs or even taking out a second mortgage to make the cut.

But, truly and honestly, I can't say I know what it's like as that parent fighting with insurance companies for coverage or even writing out that check for the behavioral therapy appointment, but, I do know that as siblings we are watching our parents and we respect what you are doing for our brothers/sisters. I love my Mom and Dad more and more after learning what they went through to give my brother the life he has today. It was with early invention and good physicians and providers that my brother has a full and rich life.

What you can do: "Call Your Senators About Health-care Reform and Autism or visit out the below the link for more information:
https://secure2.convio.net/asa/site/Advocacy?alertId=333&pg=makeACall