Do something, today.

Some people are born political, right? They get involved, they go to city council meetings and spend spare time mailing politicians to move agendas along. We have never been those people, and I mean never. Don't get me wrong... we're law-abiding, voting, opinionated folks who stand up for what we believe in without clubbing others over the head with our viewpoints. That is, until now.

We've been on a journey for quite some time now; and when I say journey... I really do mean JOURNEY. It's been years in the making to truly figure it all out and we're finding some sense of direction now that we've closed in on some details. We learned recently that Jackson has autism (he is 1 of the 150 you read about!), and more specifically Asberger's Disorder (hereafter referenced as ASD). Not sure what it is? Click here for full details... and know that Bill Gates lives with this neurological disorder today. With good therapy and the right mindset, gifts that come with this disorder can overpower the challenges and make really amazing people.

Before we campaign for your support, I'll add small commentary here:

No, we didn't know this was Jackson.... but had a sneaking suspicion for a long time that there was something about him... and we met totally unreal, smart, fabulous people at the U and Fraser Child & Family who suddenly provided amazing clarity for us.

Yes, it is overwhelming. Some days things go great. Some days they really, really don't. When they don't, we try to look around and pay special attention to the term 'high functioning.' Then we thank God for the fact that he can do as many things as possible and for modern therapies that can support him while he's young to give him the skills he'll need for life.

No, we don't have it all figured out. This makes me the craziest. Just when I have a plan, we have to sidetrack, derail or go through some major red-tape with insurance, providers or some other thing. This is one of the most frustrating things I've ever done so far... but I will be patient and learn. God makes no mistakes in the challenges he serves up to us. That said, I sure hope he's listening because this isn't easy! Oh, and if he could drive to one of the 86 appointments we have cooking to work this through, that'd be great.

Yes, we want your stories, contacts and information. We're taking it all in, a day at a time, and making plans. I've learned more from friends who 'have a friend who....' than you'd ever believe. These things are not mistakes; I have an unbelievable list of uncanny coincidinces that have helped us along the way thus far. I have no doubt our guardian angel is tired and working overtime with us... and I wonder, should I leave her cookies or diet soda?

No, please don't look at him or treat him 'special.' This is my single biggest fear as his mother, mama bear and best friend. Play with him like always and enjoy who he is- the quirky, funny, super-intelligent boy that he is. We do every single day..... EVERY SINGLE DAY.

So, here's where politics intermingle. We learned (the VERY hard way) that many insurances don't cover therapies critically needed for kids like Jackson. It's astounding and makes my blood boil. Autism is considered a neurological disorder, however, neither medical or mental health coverages kick in (I received a lovely letter that it's an excluded condition on our policy from UnitedHealth Care/Medica - BIG, typically 'awesome' insurers!). Beyond us, there's a bigger universe of people who are left to (a) not treat their children, (b) treat them with private funds for very, very costly therapies or (c) try a combination of private pay while filing for very expensive assistance strategies. It's a long haul for families who are already tired. Tired of insurance, tired of trying to get 'accepted' to see the right doctors. Just tired. So, there's a movement underway and it could really use your help. Read up on this and know... any support you show affects families everywhere in Minnesota, now including ours.

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Take Action on the ATAA Bill!
The Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA) has been introduced in the Senate (S.819)and House (H.R. 2413). ATAA is comprehensive federal legislation that addresses critical challenges facing the autism community, including increased funding for scientific research, treatment and services. A key section of the bill requires all insurance companies to provide coverage for evidence-based, medically-necessary autism treatments and therapies, ending the insurers’ long-standing discrimination against children with autism.

Click here to make your voice heard and encourage your representatives to co-sponsor this bill. It takes one minute and can make a HUGE difference!

Freshman Semi-Formal.

Tyler's officially closing out the 9th grade year and as a hoorah, the school hosts the freshman semi-formal. What they forgot to put on the invitation: "Be amazed at your kid, how he grew and what a gentleman he has become."

Happy Mommie's Day!

A lovely photo of me and mah boys on Mama's Day. More details l8r.