I’m a single mom grappling with how to find the time and financial resources to support my son, who was unofficially dx as having ASD at age 16 through the public school system. He was tested with a basic test administered in many public schools. I cannot afford the more sophisticated and specific dx offered by Vanderbilt University in our home city. He turns 18 in February 25. Socially, he’s been suffering to the point I’d say he’s in crisis. His emotional support counselor is self-pay only—completely out of pocket. There are few therapist who specialize in teen males with ASD.
Add to that, my son’s bio father, who I now recognize as highly autistic himself, does not believe ASD is real and will not pay for any form of therapy for our son.
My son’s Dad believes ASD was created to help state/municipal public schools systems draw down more federal dollars.
The dent in my forehead from banging it on the table gets progressively deeper.
Rest assured I have my own counselor to try to cope, but she too is self-pay only and I can only afford the out-of-pocket costs once every five weeks.
My budget is balanced on a razor’s edge.
Yes, we did manage to put away college savings for him in a 529 plan, but my child insists he’s not going to college because he’s sick of the whole system.
Michaela -- There are resources out there, depending on your state. If your son's ASD is significant enough that it would be hard for him to work part-time in McDonald's or a similar minimum wage job, then you'll qualify for something called SSI. That brings in about $8K per year. It's not easy to get into the system for SSI, but once you're in, the doors open up for a lot of state government support.
Check out the ARC in your state. The group specializes in students with an IDD profile, which may or not work with your son. LMK, if you need more references to get help. Specify your state.
I’m a single mom grappling with how to find the time and financial resources to support my son, who was unofficially dx as having ASD at age 16 through the public school system. He was tested with a basic test administered in many public schools. I cannot afford the more sophisticated and specific dx offered by Vanderbilt University in our home city. He turns 18 this coming February 5. Socially, he’s been suffering to the point I’d say he’s in crisis. His emotional support counselor is self-pay only—completely out of pocket. There are few therapist who specialize in teen males with ASD.
Add to that, my son’s bio father, who I now recognize as highly autistic himself, does not believe ASD is real and will not pay for any form of therapy for our son.
My son’s Dad believes ASD was created to help state/municipal public schools systems draw down more federal dollars.
The dent in my forehead from banging it on the table gets progressively deeper.
Rest assured I have my own counselor to try to cope, but she too is self-pay only and I can only afford the out-of-pocket costs once every five weeks.
My budget is balanced on a razor’s edge.
Yes, we did manage to put away college savings for him in a 529 plan, but my child insists he’s not going to college because he’s sick of the whole system.
Laura, the topic of insurance coverage for services for children and youth with autism is an incredibly important one. I appreciate that you are raising it and I hope you will continue to cover the story.
I’m a single mom grappling with how to find the time and financial resources to support my son, who was unofficially dx as having ASD at age 16 through the public school system. He was tested with a basic test administered in many public schools. I cannot afford the more sophisticated and specific dx offered by Vanderbilt University in our home city. He turns 18 in February 25. Socially, he’s been suffering to the point I’d say he’s in crisis. His emotional support counselor is self-pay only—completely out of pocket. There are few therapist who specialize in teen males with ASD.
Add to that, my son’s bio father, who I now recognize as highly autistic himself, does not believe ASD is real and will not pay for any form of therapy for our son.
My son’s Dad believes ASD was created to help state/municipal public schools systems draw down more federal dollars.
The dent in my forehead from banging it on the table gets progressively deeper.
Rest assured I have my own counselor to try to cope, but she too is self-pay only and I can only afford the out-of-pocket costs once every five weeks.
My budget is balanced on a razor’s edge.
Yes, we did manage to put away college savings for him in a 529 plan, but my child insists he’s not going to college because he’s sick of the whole system.
Good times.
Michaela -- There are resources out there, depending on your state. If your son's ASD is significant enough that it would be hard for him to work part-time in McDonald's or a similar minimum wage job, then you'll qualify for something called SSI. That brings in about $8K per year. It's not easy to get into the system for SSI, but once you're in, the doors open up for a lot of state government support.
I run a consulting company that helps parents with college and with financial support from the government. I do free webinars and post them on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU6TlTXaJv7ixz3tN6vhuZA
Check out the ARC in your state. The group specializes in students with an IDD profile, which may or not work with your son. LMK, if you need more references to get help. Specify your state.
Also subscribe to my autism newsletter : https://greatleap.substack.com. I give out lots of tips.
I’m a single mom grappling with how to find the time and financial resources to support my son, who was unofficially dx as having ASD at age 16 through the public school system. He was tested with a basic test administered in many public schools. I cannot afford the more sophisticated and specific dx offered by Vanderbilt University in our home city. He turns 18 this coming February 5. Socially, he’s been suffering to the point I’d say he’s in crisis. His emotional support counselor is self-pay only—completely out of pocket. There are few therapist who specialize in teen males with ASD.
Add to that, my son’s bio father, who I now recognize as highly autistic himself, does not believe ASD is real and will not pay for any form of therapy for our son.
My son’s Dad believes ASD was created to help state/municipal public schools systems draw down more federal dollars.
The dent in my forehead from banging it on the table gets progressively deeper.
Rest assured I have my own counselor to try to cope, but she too is self-pay only and I can only afford the out-of-pocket costs once every five weeks.
My budget is balanced on a razor’s edge.
Yes, we did manage to put away college savings for him in a 529 plan, but my child insists he’s not going to college because he’s sick of the whole system.
Good times.
Laura, the topic of insurance coverage for services for children and youth with autism is an incredibly important one. I appreciate that you are raising it and I hope you will continue to cover the story.