Why isn't the autism waiver program adequately funded?

Question

For those of you that don't know, the autism waiver is a social program that provides autistic children with the therapeutic services that they need. The number of children that can be helped is limited due to "lack of funding". In many parts of the U.S., there are many autistic children who do not receive waiver services. When will this finally change? Politicians are quick to spend money on the war on terror, israel, darfur, etc. But what about America? Have they forgotten that there are also Americans who are in desperate need of help?

Answer 1

its been on national news that a certain radiohost made comments about autism stating that "autism is an excuse for bad behavior"..i'm thinking now with these allegations that autism will not be takien seriously and funding for programs and treatments may be withheld until it is resolved.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees, despite my childhood (and adult!) wishes.  International security allows us to have the freedom to discuss these things and send our disabled children to public schools.  Paying for everything that everyone needs is an act of socialism, anyway.  Fortunately, we are not a country set up that way.

Answer 3

It is next to impossible to receive services for an autistic child which I have two, for disability.  I have never been approved for medicaid, SSI, or anything else, I have appealed in person, sent reputable documentation from nationally awarded famous doctors including Dr. Greenspan, Dr. Wakefield, Dr. Brazelton etc.  NOTHING.  I have applied 3X's.  I am in DE.

Answer 4

angelbab - I have found that too - I am "only" a substitute (I hold my Bachelor's in Elementary ED, however) - and I sub a lot in special needs.

The current special ed director at my local school states that the kids only act out because of autism but I've talked to at least one special ed teacher who insists it is NOT his autism that makes him act out - there are other forces at hand.

I have worked one on one with at least one autistic that was the nicest kid you ever want to meet and I've been around several other autistics.  (Incidentally the only time I was ever hit was by an autistic..but I am by no means blaming his disability on this action)

As far as lack of funding - there is, depending on where you live - if you live in a rich area - there is funding that teachers have more than they need.  There are also special schools for autistic students in certain areas.

I live in a very poor area and we have minimal funding.

Our teachers do their best!

Answer 5

I know I won't get points out of this answer but the truth is that they are covered in every state.  You just need to know how to get medical coverage for them.  Go to your local assistance office, and talk to them about it.  Depending on your income limit you might be eligible for regular medical coverage which isn't considered Autistic coverage per federal counting standards.  Then if you are over the limit for all regular coverages, there is a program which allows you to get assistance no matter what your income is, as long as your child is disabled.  And if you talk to any bleeding heart they will label all Autistic children as disabled, even though many of them aren't.  I don't know where you get your information, but I don't believe you got it from a reliable source.  The government spends more on the welfare of its citizens than on any other single program.  Most states actually spend more on welfare than all other programs combined, which is ridiculous and is another reason that the economy is declining.