Money, Money, Money, Money, Money, Money, Money

Good morning.  Well - first off let me say that everything that I apply for or attempt to apply for regarding financial assistance or ipads or whatever for Samuel and Asperger's - we never qualify due to income - we do not fit in the 'low-income' bracket.  However, we have a very high deductible and everything is out-of-pocket - also because many therapies are not covered.  So, by the time we pay the thousands of dollars it takes for therapies and sensory items and social stories and tools needed to help with behaviors - we probably fit in the 'low-income' bracket - so I guess it all evens out - HUH???? 

I am about to get on the phone and make several phone calls to GET HELP.  We shall see what happens - these are the things we are needing and could use some assitance - we are NOT one's to ask for hand-outs - but as you read everywhere - having an autistic kid - is VERY costly!!!  We are needing/looking into the following:

*Need respite!!!  $$?

*OT - more intensive - cost is anywhere from $60-175/hour

*Neurofeedback - cost is the same as above for one session

*a rocking chair KID size - with the specifications we need it would be $400 - he needs one that he can rock big and fast in - needs to be basically like an adult rocker with a sturdy base

*ipad - this is often used with autistic kids due to their VERY visual learning - Sam definitely responds to visual cues - much of the time; this has been used with him at pre-school and with a relative who is used to working with these kids $$???

*Dr. Amen Clinic or something similar - these clinics specialize in studying their brain and where exactly the deficits are and how they can specifically help the individual - this cost is $3000+++ just for the appointments in addition to travel expenses - we'd have to go to California or Washington.

*other needs:  sensory items such as weighted blankets; continual social stories related to problem issues we are having, therapist recommended daycare for his sister who goes to mornings a week - so she can learn to interact with socially 'normal' kids PLUS I get a few hours to get stuff done and breathe!!!  $$$???

So - I have been stressed lately regarding finances - what we need to do for Sam and how we are going to get this done.  I guess all I can say is pray and I do know God is in control but it is easy to lose that focus - with what little sleep I get and how stressful my days can be - I sometimes just feel defeated. 

Go to bed tonight - 12:30am by the time both kids have woken - and one of them has thrown things at you, peed his pants during the fit - then finally decided to rock - set your alarm for two hours later - go back to bed after 15 min - set your alarm for 1 1/2 hours later - do the same and wake in the morning about 6:45am - start your day HAPPILY and immediately ready to serve kids and deal with a kicking fit because you are not rocking fast enough - it is now 7:15am and the child is not dressed and the bus will be here in 15 min - good luck:-)!    I bid you adieu........

FYI - the above scenario is an average night - a BAD night would be much longer times spent with Sam in a fit/meltdown and there is NOTHING you can do and/or getting up much more often.......