Yes Houston, He Has a Problem

You know, it never ends.  From the time he was diagnosed to today, we're still asked to provide proof that our son has a disability.  I guess part of it is that he doesn't look disabled (unless you happen to catch him grooving to flashing lights or something).  But really.  Still?  It started when we wanted to get him into a therapeutic nursery outside of our district, continued after a disastrous kindergarten year and we wanted to go out of district again, and once more when we wanted a particular program in a high school other than our own.

We have the reports.  We have the medical forms.  The evaluations.  The tests.  We have a file drawer full of paperwork.  It all points to the diagnosis of Autism.  It's official.  He's been inspected and detected.  I am getting tired of having to prove this over and over and over.

This time, we're trying to get waiver services for an employment training program.  The Development Disabilities Service Organization (DDSO) isn't sure he's qualified to receive this service.  We provided the initial reports, reviews, evals, etc., and were sent a letter requesting additional information.  Okay, we know the drill, we gave them more reports, reviews and evals.  Not enough.  They wanted to see him in-person, up-close and personal.  Fine with me.

Took him to the meeting.  A panel of 3 professionals and the social worker.  I admit, I was not prepared for the formality.  I thought it was a chat between him and the social worker.  Oh no.  It was much more.  They spoke with him, then with me.  Now we wait for 2 to 3 weeks to find out if he's approved or not.  If not, then we go to appeal.  He'll be 40 by the time this thing resolves!

I'm so tired of this.  Yes, he was crowned autistic at 3.  And guess what -- he's still autistic at 23!  No  miracles have occurred.   He hasn't grown out of it.  And the long-range forecast predicts continued autism.  I've come to terms with it, why can't the agencies-that-be realize this?