Monday, November 2, 2009

Recovered From Autism; Now On A Championship Team!!!


As I start this column, I will first apologize for my absence in weeks past. I’ve actually had friends calling me making sure I didn’t fall off the face of the earth because it’s been so long since I’ve posted. Nope, I haven’t. I’m still here, and I have been working; I’ve just had to add something new to the mix. FOOTBALL!!! That would be… POP WARNER FOOTBALL!!! I have to share also, that I busted my left ring finger about six weeks ago (rings will have to be re-sized LOL), and it’s been a pain for me to keep up with dishes, laundry, and the daily tasks, let alone write much other than emails.

So… You see that picture there? One of those boys is my son, Isaac; my ten year old son who is nearly recovered, completely, from autism. Many of you know his story, and know our family’s story. When he said he wanted to play last spring we signed him up. Knowing what I know, I thought it would be a really good outlet (aka – therapy), for his rigidity issues, and it has proven to be just that.

The boys on his team are terrific kids. They are well mannered, behave well (minus your “typical” goofing off), and when they play, they give it their ALL. Pop Warner has been a joy and tons of fun; although this addition has provided yet one more juggling act for me as a mom. Honestly, it’s been one I have been all too happy to take on. This is why I post today.


You see, the BULLDOGS played their first Championship game yesterday morning, and they WON!!! This picture was taken after the game when our boys were getting their snacks and receiving their Pop Warner 2009 Champion Dog Tags! These incredible kids, including Isaac, will be heading to California for the Regional Championship Games in less than 2 weeks, and I am doing everything I can to help the Bulldogs get down there. Our Team has been out for weeks doing penny drives, in fact Isaac and another of his teammates decided to forego trick or treating for candy, and instead went trick or treating for pennies!
(Bulldogs parents, Coaches, and Members of the Association are excluded from this contest... the first parent to pick me out in this picture, and post a comment... well... I'll buy and mail you an Autism Salutes Lapel Pin)

Just this past week we have had a wonderful parent of special needs children herself and a Scentsy Consultant, step up to the plate, and offer proceeds from sales to our Bulldog Team to help with their trip to California. You can view the Scentsy Catalog and order from the Bulldogs Scentsy Party Page HERE. I will be ordering a few myself, as they will make great Christmas presents! (If you end up on the Home page, just tgo to the My Open Parties list on the left and click on Junior Pee Wee Fundraiser "buy from party" link)

(Scentsy wax is food grade paraffin, with oils added for the Scentsy. No wick, no flame, no soot. As Scentsy wax uses no flame, and has a consistent heat source – a lightbulb – I personally think this is a major safety feature, for anyone; families with young children, and especially families who have children with special needs)

The deadline for ordering is coming up quick; it’s November 6th, so hurry on over to the Scentsy page!!! Remember, you’ll not only be helping a child recovered from autism achieve the experience of a lifetime; you’ll be helping a Team of awesome kids experience the same!!!

GO BULLDOGS and Look Out California! Here We COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you’d like to learn more about Evergreen Pop Warner and the Bulldogs go HERE.




Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Is The DoD Paying Attention To Swine Flu & Vaccine Conflicts?

I have to wonder about the title of this simple column being a military spouse, and I continually wonder about the reality of the title because of what I know to be true. I think I hear that damn black helo flying over my house again, but I then realize, that to them, of course, I am just a stupid mom.

Well, I might be stupid mom according to "them", but one thing I am NOT is unpatriotic, and that is what I fear is happening with our own Department of Defense based on their actions regarding autism, military dependents, and vaccination.

I have seen much of the news links posted below previous to tonight, but it all finally hit home. You see, I am an All-American girl. I like all kinds of sports, but especially football. I have been aching for Thursday to get here. This evening I happened to be multi-tasking once again; laundry, making lunches, making dinner, and of course watching whatever football is on the NFL Channel. Well... it happened to be a repeat of last years SuperBowl. It all came together for me; all this recent news regarding swine flu and the vaccine, autism, and of course the military. Why??? Well, I want you to watch this http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?id=09000d5d80e818f7&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true. Forgive the skips. Look at the players faces and see the tears and emotion that they feel when they hear our National Anthem sung by Jennifer Hudson, who herself was only a few months out of a huge personal family tragedy of her own at the time. Look at the emotion on their faces, see the tears in their eyes, see them grab their chests in strength and respect, and see how much respect they have for what our National Anthem means. I am of the belief that there are many in the Department of Defense who have lost sight of what it means to protect this country, yet keep our troops safe. And yes, that comes back to vaccines.

So you might want to look HERE. Yep, we're talking MANDATORY vaccination of all military members, and if the CDC puts this on the recommended schedule, then all military dependent children attending day care, child care, or school age programs (including family programs), will be mandated as well.

Then you might want to take a look at this HERE. And this HERE too.

Now see here is the deal. I watched as much as I could of last years SuperBowl again tonight (mostly could only listen) because my team was playing and WON! I guess Dr. Paul Profit, forgot in all his millions makings that he might want to disclose that to be fair and honest. Funny thing about being an All-American girl and not so stupid mom after all; football players salaries (along with other sports), are out there for the public. They do stupid shit like Michael Vick did with the dog fighting, and they pay their penance to society and go on to be (so far), continuing to pay their debt. Why is it that people like Pauly Pusher of Vaccines don't suffer the same consequences.

As a former Vet Tech, I despise what Michael Vick participated in. Did he make millions? Yes, but not at the expense of animals. As an autism mom, an advocate for SAFE vaccines and choice on all fronts regarding such, and a military spouse to top it all off; given all of the above, I think Paul should have his medical license yanked, his degree yanked, and firmly believe that prison time is fully warranted. I also think he should have his millions go through the SEC. Oh wait - they missed Madoff - maybe not. VIck made his millions from honest football, not dog fighting. Pauly made his from vaccines. Need I say more?

I'm sure tomorrow or in the near future we'll hear some whining from him that yet again he's received another death threat, based on what I've said. I said what I said and that's it. And to think that our military not only protects his ass from harm; yet promotes his agenda.

I think I am going to go watch the video I posted. I know what this country was founded upon and it was freedom at HOME!!!! People like Paul are prohibiting this freedom, and I believe the Department of Defense to be doing the same by mandating a fast tracked vaccine, ummmm... the swine flu vaccine. Now go watch that video and listen to our National Anthem again, and tell me different.




Monday, September 7, 2009

Military Children With Autism Need Your Help!


Angela's Note: I personally want to thank Karen for putting the below together to run on Autism Salutes. I also want to extend to Karen my deepest thanks and gratitude for her friendship, leadership, and tireless advocacy on behalf of our military dependents with autism, over the past several years. Thank you Karen!

Recently, with the leadership of Congressman Joe Sestak (PA), the House passed comprehensive reforms through the House National Defense Authorization Act (HR 2647) to address the medical needs of military dependents living with autism. The Sestak amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act requires TRICARE (our military healthcare program) to provide coverage for evidenced-based, medically necessary treatments and therapies for all military dependents with autism. These long awaited reforms to help our military children will serve as the first step toward a national model for coverage of effective autism treatments. By helping our military children, you will help legislative efforts in your state and communities as well.

The Sestak Amendment has bipartisan support in the House and Senate, but we need your help to contact key members of the Armed Services Committee and request they include the House language in the final version of the Defense Bill. The support of the Armed Services Committee is vital to the success of these much needed reforms. We need your action today and throughout the next couple weeks.

I've listed several key leaders from the Armed Services Committee below. Please call and fax to request they support the Sestak amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act regarding coverage of medical necessary autism treatments for military children. It is important the final version of the Bill address the treatment needs of our special kids. I've attached a sample fax for you to use.

Not sure what to say when you call? Below is a sample script below for your consideration.

"As a key leader on the Armed Services Committee, I'm calling to request Senator/Congressman XXX support the House language of the Defense Bill regarding the medical necessity of autism treatments for military dependents (the Sestak Amendment). Autism is a devastating medical disorder requiring treatment. Military families living with this devastating disability need the Senator's/Congressman's leadership and action to ensure the final version of the bill addresses the treatment needs of military children with autism. Given the significant responsibilities our military families shoulder today, it is simply the right thing to do. Thank you for your help."



Name Phone Fax
Senator Carl Levin (MI) (202)-224-6221 (202)-224-1388
Senator McCain (AZ) (202)-224-2235 (202)-228-2862
Senator Ben Nelson (NE) (202)-224-6551 (202)-228-0012
Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) (202)-224-5972 (202)-224-3808
Rep Ike Skelton (MO) (202)-225-2876 (202)-225-2695
Rep Buck McKeon (CA) (202)-225-1956 (202)-226-0683
Rep Susan Davis (CA) (202)-225-2040 (202)-225-2948
Rep Joe Wilson (SC) (202)-225-2452 (202)-225-2455
Senator Claire McCaskill (MO) (202)-224-6154 (202)-228-6326
Senator Jim Webb (VA) (202)-224-4024 (202)-228-6363
Senator John Thune (ND) (202)-224-2321 (202)-228-5429
Senator Mel Martinez (FL) (202)-224-3041 (202)-228-5171
Senator Saxby Chambliss (GA) (202)-224-3521 (202)-224-0103
Senator Roger Wicker (MS) (202)-224-6253 (202)-228-0378
Senator David Vitter (LA) (202)-224-4623 (202)-228-5061
Senator Susan Collins (ME) (202)-224-2523 (202)-224-2693
Senator Kay Hagan (NC) (202)-224-6342 (202)-228-2563
Senator Daniel Akaka (HI) (202)-224-6361 (202)-224-2126
Senator Joe Lieberman (CT) (202)-224-4041 (202)-224-9750
Rep Vic Snyder (AR) (202)-225-2506 (202)-225-5903
Rep Loretta Sanchez (CA) (202)-225-6676 (202)-226-1012
Rep David Loebsack (IA) (202)-225-6576 (202)-226-0757
Rep John Kline (MN) (202)-225-2271 (202)-225-2595
Rep Tom Rooney (FL) (202)-225-5792 (202)-225-3132
Rep Mary Fallin (OK) (202)-225-2132 (202)-226-1463
Rep Carol Shea-Porter (NH) (202)-225-5456 (202)-225-5822
Rep Hank Johnson (GA) (202)-225-1605 (202)-226-0691
Rep Walter B Jones (NC) (202)-225-3415 (202)-225-3286
Rep John Fleming (LA) (202)-225-2777 (202)-225-8039

A Closing Note From Angela: I'm sorry if the numbers are hard to read, that's blogger ;)If you would like to fax and don't have access, please visit http://www.myfax.com For $10 a month you can send 100 faxes, and receive 200, all from your email. The first month is a free trial. I took out service a few months ago, and it is a wonderful service, especially with doctors visits etc. I can have everything faxed to me instead of having to wait for snail mail or picking up copies of records. If you sign up (I called versus doing it online), please tell them Autism Salutes/Angela Warner referred you. Thanks

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Autism Can Create Insanity, Don't We Agree?

By Angela Warner

Let me start from the beginning. My husband is a member of the Air Force Base Honor Guard. Two weeks ago today Dave had a detail. The detail was for the NASCAR Camping World Series at Portland International Raceway. Neither I, nor our children, have ever been witness to Dave performing an Honor Guard detail. Dave used to be a big NASCAR fan; in fact we have a few things signed by Dale Earnhardt. I had been debating on whether or not to take the kids for weeks.

Saturday afternoon one of my dearest friends called me up, on her way home from a meeting. “I’m coming to pick you up. We’re going for a bite and a drink”. We have been working on, shall we say, some treatment stuff. (More to come on that) So we ate, had a drink, and then brought the rest of the meeting back here to my second office. The garage, in lawn chairs. Laugh if you will… After the meeting was over, she and my hubby brought me to tears. The mantra was; “You NEED to take some time off!” I still was not sure if I wanted to take the kids and go.

I really wanted to take the kids. I’d never been to a race before. I wanted to take all of them. What am I thinking? I don’t even take all of them to the grocery store together. Two maximum; that’s fun planning when your spouse is deployed.  I thought I had lost my sanity. Take all of them? I wanted to see Dave. I wanted our children to see their dad. They are so proud of him, as he is of them.

I had no idea what to expect. I was as prepared as I guess one can be, given that when I used to go grocery shopping, I could not get Nathan down the aisle fast enough. If I paused to look at ingredients or compare prices, he was pulling cans off the shelves and stacking them up on the floor in front of where they were on the shelves. I imagine those folks were happy when Dave returned home and we moved.

I kept telling myself, it will be ok. I felt like I was lying to myself. Let’s go to the park? That’s one thing. A NASCAR event; quite another. Nathan is easily over stimulated by too many visuals or too many sounds. I knew there would be both.

We had to do it; I had to try, the kids had to try.

I woke up Sunday morning. We’re going. Shower, hair, face, kids, diaper bag, and water. All of us out of the house and on our way. Silent concerns about porta-potty’s and tethered cord (I’ll be writing more about that too). We’re doing this! I think what ever bit of sanity I had left blew out the window on the way to PIR.

When we arrived, we immediately found where Dave was supposed to be. A couple hours later Dave was on the start / finish line with his team, the colors, and his rifle. We were seated in the front row of bleachers directly across from where he was (less than 50 yards away). I was so proud. The kids were paying attention to what was going on (although extremely antsy), and so proud of their dad. As a military spouse, I can not describe my feelings at seeing my husband protect our country and the presentation of our flag. I was physically unable to stand and put my hand over my heart during the National Anthem (Samantha was hot, tired, and sitting on my lap crying), but my Autism Salutes pin was over my heart and I felt with all my being, that our country understood.

Just after Nathan regressed in 2004, he had a meltdown that few to this day have topped. My mom was cleaning up from dinner, clanging pots and pans; the TV was up really loud; the house was really bright; the kids were having popsicles, and all of a sudden Nathan let loose. I mean he let loose like nobody’s business. A voice kept telling me that if I could get him downstairs into the tub he would be ok. It took every bit of my strength to carry my flailing, screaming, hitting, kicking, and biting child down the stairs and make it in one piece. That was one of the worst nights of my life. It would be months later that I would figure out that the meltdown happened because he was so over-stimulated by the loud pots and pans, TV, bright lights, and cold popsicle.

As we were sitting in the stands watching the race I realized we had all the ingredients for the perfect storm on our hands. The kids were all enjoying sno-cones, it was hot, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and man was it loud! I was mentally prepared.

There was to be no storm that beautiful day! The kids were awesome! A bit, well, ok… a lot, over stimulated? Hell yes, especially Nathan! But I learned an important lesson from my kids. They need a big test every once in awhile. This was a big test for sure. They all did so well, we stayed for almost the entire race!

Sunday taught me that I need to take more time for family. I have sacrificed, but my own children have as well, even as I’ve been fighting for them to bring them to where they are now. By this outing, my kids, especially Nathan, taught me just how much he (and they) can stand, how much he can tolerate, and how far he has come. It has been years since we’ve been able to do an outing of any type; this was the first time since autism entered the picture that we’ve done something as a family with no meltdowns! A few days after the race, I talked with Nathan’s kindergarten autism classroom teacher (who was also his therapist during Dave’s deployment last year), and she laughed with joy when I shared this all with her. Her response? “Nathan wouldn’t have been able to handle that a year ago; forget about when he was in kindergarten.”

Being insane sometimes can prove to be quite lovely! NASCAR was Sunday Mass. We all need communion every once in a while, right?




Thursday, July 23, 2009

Military Urgent Action Alert!!!


Today the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2010, will most likely wrap up and go to the floor for a vote. Senator Gillibrand of NY had prepared an amendment to be introduced to the NDAA '10, which would have provided treatment for autism under the basic Tricare program. Senator Gillibrand's amendment was REJECTED by the Senate Armed Services Committee!

Currently treatment for autism is provided as a special education benefit, which segregates children with autism into a seperate program. Due to this segregation and the constraints of the program, less than 10% of military dependents with autism are able to access any level of care. Those children that are able to access treatment receive far less than the physician recommended level of treatment, and the program is not even open to retiree's dependent children with autism.

Senator Gillibrand's amendment had the potential to change all of that, and it was REJECTED by the very people who are charged with ensuring the needs of the military and it's members are addressed.

We, the members, spouses, and parents of military children with autism need your help to try and stop this from happening. Our military families shoulder significant responsibilities, and our families are in crisis. Please, if you can, take 10 minutes right now, and help us help our families and most importantly, our children with autism.

Listed below are all the phone and fax numbers to the Senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Here's what you can do.

1. Call and/or fax as many members of the Senate Armed Services Committee as you can. If you're not quite sure what to say, here is a simple statement for your consideration.

"I appreciate the service and sacrifice our military families have made for our country. Military families with autism face extradorinary challenges and need the Senator's help. I ask that the Senator please allow Senator Gillibrand's autism amendment to the NDAA, amendment S. 1786, to be voted on."

Other points you could make:

"The estimated cost of providing life long care for an individual who has not received appropriate medical treatment for autism is estimated to be between 3.2 million and 5 million. As a tax-paying citizen, I would rather pay for medically necessary treatment than lifelong care. Dependents with autism who receive physician recommended medically necessary treatment, have a SIGNIFICANTLY greater chance of going on to become tax-paying citizens living quality and productive lives."

---If you are a military member, spouse, or have a relative serving who has a dependent with autism, please share your story; especially retiree's.

2. Call and/or fax your Senator and ask that they support and sign on to Senator Gillibrand's amendment (S. 1786) to the NDAA.

If you're not sure who your Senator is, you can go HERE and find them. (You want to call your US Senators)

If you're looking for a way to fax, go HERE It's a terrific and easy to use online fax service that's also inexpensive and quick to set up. They offer a free trial month.

Senate Armed Services Committee Members

Senate Armed Services Committee (Phone is listed first, Fax second)

Levin – Chair MI 202-224-6221, 202-224-1388
McCain – Ranking Member AX 202-224-2235, 202-228-2862
Nelson NE 202-224-6551, 202-228-0012
Graham SC 202-224-5972, 202-224-3808
Burr NC 202-224-3154, 202-228-2981
Akaka HI 202-224-6361, 202-224-2126
Lieberman CT 202-224-4041, 202-228-0341
Webb VA 202-224-4024, 202-228-6363
Reed RI 202-224-4642, 202-224-4680
Sessions AL 202-224-4124, 202-224-3149
Vitter LA 202-224-4623, 202-228-5061
McCaskill MO 202-224-6154, 202-228-6326
Collins ME 202-224-2523, 202-224-2693
Chambliss GA 202-224-3521, 202-224-0103
Bliss IL 202-2242854, 202-228-3333
Thune SD 202-224-2321, 202-228-5429
Byrd WV 202-224-3954, 202-228-0002
Bayh IN 202-224-5623, 202-228-1377
Udall CO 202-224-5941, 202-224-6471
Hagen NC 202-224-6342, 202-228-2563
Inhofe OK 202-224-4721, 202-228-0380
Wicker MS 202-224-6253, 202-228-0378
Martinez FL 202-224-3041, 202-228-5171
Bill Nelson FL 202-224-5274, 202-228-2183
Kennedy MA 202-224-5110, 202-224-2417
Beigich AK 202-224-3004, 202-224-2354

Regardless of whether you are a military member or civilian, if you are able to take some extra time out of your day to make calls or faxes, please contact me, Angela Warner at autismrr at gmail dot com Please use only "Mobilization" in the subject line.

While I am not actually able to post the amendment tonight (I'm sometimes tech challenged), but you may refer to Senator Gillibrand's Bill that was introduced HERE The language comparable to that of her amendment which was REJECTED.

On behalf of our military families, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any assistance you are able to provide! Now... ABOUT FACE! CHARGE!!!




Thursday, July 16, 2009

Who Do You Think You Are?


Angela's comment: Yep, This is my friend Jeanne, who like myself, is a bit snarky at times. And yes, we have each other's pinkies. You can check out her site at Charlie In Wonderland Jeanne, you took the words right out of my mouth... ...

Are you the parent of a child (or children) affected by autism? Are you an autism advocate? Do you run an autism organization? Do you work for an autism organization? Volunteer? Write a blog? Publish a magazine? Who are you? And more importantly, who do you think you are?

No matter what the answer to the question, you are not exempt from action alerts. Why you ask? Because until we all stand up and speak, we'll never make the changes needed to get our kids, and future generations of kids, out of the devastation that is autism.

Here are some truths I'd like to share with you:

1. Don't think because others are making calls, emailing, and faxing, that your help is not needed. As of July 8, 2009, there are 541 members of Congress, of which over 150 are members of the autism caucus. Add to that the 100 members of the United States Senate. Do the math. That's almost SEVEN HUNDRED offices to call, fax, and email.
Now, imagine if that list were only being tackled by a few people... Yeah, now you see the problem.

2. Don't think because you hold a position in this community, you're supposed to let others do the work. If anything, in my opinion, you should be the first one out of the gate making phone calls, setting an example for those around you. The "I made my calls now I need you to make yours" type thing. If people don't see you, the pillars of our community, getting involved with action alerts, they're going to probably assume it's not that important - and nothing could be farther from the truth, or more important than stopping the autism epidemic.

3. Don't think your one call won't make a difference, because I promise you, it will. Every single call counts. Every single call makes a difference. Every single call pushes us one step closer to getting somewhere in Washington.

4. And lastly, in my opinion, you have no right to spend your days talking/blogging/Tweeting/Facebooking about the fact that the autism epidemic is being ignored if you are not contacting your legislators every single time an Action Alert is issued.

Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox now. I apologize if I have offended anyone, I'm just so tired of the apathy, complacency, and "I've done my part by simply being who I am every day" attitudes.

I mean, we're all busy, shit we've all got kids with special needs on top of the everyday busy stuff. My own schedule is crazy - 40 hours of work to cram in a 18 hour period: Consulting; Generation Rescue Angel (any other Angels scared about the number of contacts your getting each week?); building a website; autism advocacy; blog; a child with autism; two teenagers (one of which needs my constant shuttling services, and the other who has band practice upstairs every day).

All of this, yet I still find time to make the calls, send the faxes and emails, and get involved. Why? Not because I think I'm perfect or better than anyone, oh no..never that, trust me. But because I can't see another way around this problem. If we all just go on about our lives nothing will change. You can stay focused on your own world or you can open your eyes to the big picture, roll up your sleeves, and get to work.

I don't know about you, but I'm sick and damn tired of feeling like I'm running in place with this advocacy business. I want the truth to be known by all. I want the naysayers to finally admit what has happened. And also, I want to stop the epidemic in its tracks, to save future children and families from living this hell we are all living.

We're either going to pull together and do this as a team, or we're going to splinter off into groups, thereby losing any chance to stop the madness.
Please, go to Age of Autism and follow the links to your elected officials' contact information. Make the calls. Don't be intimidated. These people work for you, you put them in office and you can take them out. Of course, you should always be polite, but you can still get your point across.
Once you've done that, check out the list of autism caucus members who have not RSVP'd. Pick 5 names and contact those offices. I've found it's helpful to say something like:
"I just noticed Congressman Blank's name is not on the RSVP list for the upcoming autism briefing. I am certain that is an oversight, being that he is a member of the autism caucus. Can you check the schedule and let me know if the Congressman, his health legislative assistant, or a staffer is planning on attending... I'm sure someone is, since the briefing is autism-related..."

I promise you guys, one or two calls and you'll feel like an old pro. It's invigorating and empowering to be involved.

Maybe I'll start a new club... The Pinkie Promise Club. Members do a virtual pinkie promise with each other to get involved and make calls when the action alerts come out. If you can't make that promise, you can't be a member of the club. And if you can't make that promise, well... that's just sad.

ONE MORE NOTE on my part (Angela here) - Roll up your (blanking) sleeves people and put your boots on. We're talking breaking pinkies here. Or maybe more. That's the military way. Jeanne knows.




Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Our Kids Have Been Treated Like Pawns In Chess!

I write this with the constant reality looming over my head, and the feverish pitch that has developed regarding insurance coverage of medically necessary treatments for autism. My heart is heavy. We are all working so hard in so many different areas to make this finally happen for our kids.

We press on. We are Autism Warriors. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring on the battlefield. We press on…

As the Military Contributing Editor for Age of Autism, I take this opportunity to fight again for our military dependent children with autism. Since the passage of last year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), every state autism insurance mandate that has been introduced (that I know of), has had an annual cap of over $36,000.

Many of you might think this is stellar coverage, and that we should be grateful for the $36,000 our kids can receive in treatment. The sad reality is that less than 10% of military dependent children with autism are receiving any level of treatment for autism, and the reason is pure discrimination. Our military dependent children can only receive treatment (ABA) if they are accepted in the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program. Segregation. Discrimination. Acceptance into the ECHO program is dependent upon a person sitting behind a desk looking at records. This person has never met, let alone medically evaluated, our children. And even if a child is accepted into ECHO, there is no guarantee that dependent will be able to access treatment. My younger son waited over two years for treatment after acceptance. There were no providers, due to the constraints of the ECHO program.

There are many politicians who have worked very hard to help our military children, but most of them hide themselves away. Hiding from coverage of medically necessary treatment for autism, allows them to hide from the war they started and the fact that they sold out to Big Pharma.

I am constantly baffled by the fact that the most very basic treatments for autism are not covered. Just the other day I saw a video on YaHoo news about a man who battled leukemia for over a decade, constantly in and out of chemo, before he finally received a bone marrow transplant, from a woman in Australia. I would guess most if not all of his treatment was covered by insurance. God Bless this man, his wife, and their three sons; he is now cancer free. Why not the same for our kids???

There are a few wars that have been started, and the military is fighting them all. I would ask that you please watch this video HERE. I think the Generals gathered may need some input about what is appropriate and medically necessary treatment for our children. Our military is spread thin, and we need your help. You'll help with input to the gathered Generals, won't you?

Please stay tuned… There will be more to come on this. In the very near future.