Affording Autism was birthed from a brain storming session during a budget meeting. It has become a series that looks at the logistics of paying for the things our autistic children require that insurance either doesn’t cover at all or doesn’t cover enough.
Waiting lists for assistance can be months, even years long. We waited so long when we lived in Florida that Logan aged out.
There are therapies, respite care, personal hygiene items, as well as sensory items that are all needed to help our children live their best life. A family can easily go into debt trying to help their child navigate their many needs.
We jokingly refer to Logan as our house. You see, we have spent enough on his needs to have purchased a brand new house outright.
I’ve heard stories of other families emptying out their 401ks and other retirement accounts. Sold their homes and possessions to pay for items that their child or children need.
Let’s start a revolution of people who find innovative ways to help our children while not breaking the bank at the same time. Affording autism should be the rule not the exception.
How much disability can your child get for autism?
Depending on your family’s income, your autistic child may qualify for SSI. When the child is under 18, the parent’s income is what is used to determine eligibility. Once the child turns 18, you can use their income only.
This criteria can make it difficult for a married couple with any sort of assets, like 2 cars, to get SSI for their child with autism until he turns 18. The process of applying is tedious as well. You can find all the information at SSI.gov
What financial help can I get for affording autism?
There are state programs you can apply for as well as ones from national autism organizations. Don’t forget about some of your private entities like Kiwanis Clubs, Easter Seals, etc. Just like with everything in autism, think outside the box.
What are the costs associated with having an autistic child?
Autistic costs range from therapies not covered by insurance, respite costs, foods that your child will eat, alarms to keep from eloping to sensory items. You might need to keep your child in a 5 point harness longer than a typical child for his safety thus necessitating a special car seat. You might need to buy pull ups or diapers for years. Everything is expensive in autism.
Why does autism therapy costs so much?
Any type of therapy is going to cost a premium price. First, college degrees are necessary and those cost money. Secondly, therapies require individual services rather than group. There is no one to split the cost. Add in overhead and other costs and there you have it.
Therapy also costs a lot because it’s billed to insurance. If you are paying cash, ask for a discount. You save them money by not having to file insurance paperwork. The worst thing they can say is no. You might be surprised with a yes.
