Military Families: Let Congress Hear Your Voice!

[304loveml]

I am in the Navy Reserve and have just found out about the autism program through Tricare. Recently I found a really cool program for my daughter to attend. Tricare would take care of it is what the school said. Well Tricare has two sides to it and my daughter can't receive the care because I am not active duty. I hope that all of us who are sharing in response the new bill being proposed can make a difference because I can't afford $2000 a month for my daughter to have care. Sincerely, OS2 LOVE

[eastariel]

Some generals are so annoying, always walking around with clipboards, giving instructions to the mechanics, making sure everything is working PERFECTLY. Then they drag themselves in front of camera after camera, begging media, Congress, and the taxpayers to supply decent, safe equipment to their soldiers.

They're just so picky about what their soldiers drive and fly and wear. All they ever do is save, save, save their soldiers who are protecting, defending, and entertaining their nation.

[luxeshop]

Let me know if I can help by sharing my voice - here is my National Anthem for you!

peace, Hunter's Voice

[andrewkilroyable]

Every military parent who wants to waste their money on an organisation suffocating autistics and wasting a vast part of its budget will donate to Autism Speaks.

Anyone with an ounce of respect for the truth will find another autism organisation to support. E.g. The Dan Marino foundation

[katjaworld1]

Another major issue is having to move every 2-4 years. EFMP should allow military families with a child with autism to be permanently assigned.Each move brings with it long waitlists for therapists. New teachers have to get to know him again and want to see what works because even with an IEP in place every school does things differently. Our kids struggle socially and they have to try and make new friends. They thrive on consistency and routine but have to start all over again with every move.

[kmtkbest]

My son is 10 and has Asperger Syndrome. It took 7 years of seeing different doctors/specialist/therapists to get concrete diagnosis. We only got that diagnosis because we moved home during a deployment and were seen at the University of Michigan through an autism study that was free. The only OT services where we are currently stationed are through the school and that leaves a lot to be desired. The Military Treatment Facilities need to make more services available for children on the spectrum.

[KVolpendesta]

Our 6 year old son has autism, but because my husband is retired, he is not eligible to receive ABA through TRICARE. He has been receiving ST and OT for over 4 years, and has made tremendous progress, but we still struggle daily with issues that could be effectively addressed by the one therapy that is proven to help kids on the spectrum....ABA. We can't afford the $100 for out of pocket therapy, so I do the best I can by researching and trying to do it myself, but it's not the same.

[thumper6423]

Even when we milfamilies get approved for services, they're not always available. Our youngest son needs OT. There was a 3 month wait. The facility we were approved for had a traveling OT. After 5 months, she leaves this week. They have no replacement, and now we will have a gap in services, when he's come so far, until they get a replacement. We need consistency in care. This is just a small portion of our story since I'm only allowed 300 characters here.

[MarriedAKing]

I am active duty. Our son has Autism. He will be 3 yo soon. Deployment schedules prevent us from keeping a solid routine which is essential to his developmental improvement. My son's speech and occupational development are not improving much. My husband also works full-time to support our living costs. It is almost impossible for us to attend appointments with therapists. We need a program to assist with the living costs so the civilian parent can stay home to care for our son's needs.

[jlrmhilton]

Nice job AS!!! Thanks so much for the support. Looking forward to next weeks presentations.

[FrogKenyon]

Thank you to Autism Speaks for committing to sharing our military families' stories with Congress!

Please share your story of military service with Congress. Let us know what challenges your family has faced in getting care for your child with autism. Please tell us about your family - what branch of service? How long have you served? etc. Be honest, but remain positive. We want our legislators to work with us in making autism therapies more accessible. Thank you for sharing! - Rachel Kenyon

[andyabc45]

The sound/Audio is Bad