Today is a banner day.  I got a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield that states that Autism treatments will now be covered.  Such as: Applied Behavioral Analysis, physical, speech and occupational therapy.  Nutritional counseling as part of ASD treatment, other mental health benefits or medical services to diagnose and treat autism spectrum disorders.  Applied behavioral analysis  helps with behaviors associated with ASD.  From 2008 until last year, I spent nearly $3000 on ABA therapy for Phoebe.  She went 2 time monthly at $50-55 per session.  Let’s be honest, I borrowed the money to pay for it.  I don’t have an extra $100 a month for anything, and I think many families have to borrow if they even have that option.  I borrow for almost all the extra things I do for Phoebe.  I am lucky…I have that option.  I only started ABA when Phoebe was in 5th grade.  Can you imagine the cost if I had started when she was 5?  And, not to mention the speech, and OT that I was taking her back and forth to.  It would be too much.

The parents of autistic children are stressed enough- and by that I mean me.  At least now, one thing is a little lighter on me.  ie: Bills:)