Having a child diagnosed on the Autism spectrum is difficult and heart breaking for parents. There are so many unknowns with which to contend. How functional will the child be as an adult? How severe is their specific diagnosis? As a spectrum of developmental disorders, diagnoses can range from classic autism to high functioning autism, from Asperger’s syndrome to Pervasive Developmental Delay. Each has different challenges and potential outcomes in terms of a child’s development and later independence. Once the initial shock of the diagnosis wears off, however, there are additional challenges in terms of paying for treatments and therapies.

For a young family without healthcare insurance, an autism diagnosis can be even more difficult to face. Treatment for autism includes occupational therapy, play/socialization therapy, behavior modification therapies, visits to developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and even psychiatrists when needed. Children on the spectrum may need a variety of medications at different times in their development to help with things such as anxiety, impulse control, and other challenges. It often takes a team of medical and developmental professionals for a child on the spectrum to reach their full potential and learn to overcome some of their challenges. These multidisciplinary teams and their suggested treatment options are expensive for someone without insurance.

Even those families who have health insurance often struggle with overwhelming costs not covered by medical insurance. Adaptive toys, therapeutic equipment, and home safety devices are often not covered. Children with autism are characteristically wanderers, requiring parents to invest in … Continue Reading >>>