Sean, Elizebeth, Ava & Audrey
One of the nice things about being Ava and Audrey’s dad is that I get to give them a pretty nice immune system. I rarely get sick myself and for the most part the girls have followed in my tradition. 
Though, they have been sick the last few days with fevers, coughs, sneezes and runny noses. In fact, Ava just learned first hand one of the reasons we cover our mouths and nose when we sneeze… fun stuff can fly out! Ava likes to call it “muinus.”
Papa Sean.
You may have read Elizebeth’s recent post on Audrey’s initial assessment of autism, so you know something is going on. Today we received our official comprehensive diagnosis that Audrey is indeed on the autism spectrum. While she has much strength that other children on the spectrum don’t have, she has a long and difficult path ahead of her. We’ve already started plugging her into programs that will support her needs and hopefully help her overcome the challenges she will face. We have her enrolled in occupational therapy (OT) and speech therapy weekly. Yesterday we met with our school districts “birth – 3” program and she will be enrolled in that soon. We were accepted into the UW Autism Research program (who did the comprehensive diagnosis) and they will be working with Audrey a great deal. Additionally, we may have her working with a dietician, physical therapist and a number of other areas of support. She will get the help she needs.
If you’ve ever listened to me talk about healthcare you know that I am a strong supporter of getting everyone in the world the help they need to overcome health issues. Since I work at Microsoft I receive quite possibly the absolute best healthcare insurance coverage in the United States. I don’t pay a penny for any doctor visits, therapy sessions, ER visits, ambulance rides, etc. No co pays. No nothing. If we have a concern we go to the appropriate doctor or professional. No hesitation. No letting money even consume an iota of thought on whether we should go. This is what everyone should have, not just me and my family. So it is with a mix of happiness and sadness that the massive amount of care Audrey receives is completely free. For most other it costs a lot of money. Most insurance won’t even pay out to treat Autism. Just a diagnosis can cost over $1500 after being on a 9 month wait list.
Healthcare won’t change overnight. Neither will awareness of Autism. But we can all start contributing by simply taking some time to learn more. Elizebeth and I are now advocates for Autism awareness, meaning as we learn more we will share and help others be empowered with knowledge and support.
If you are interested in learning more about Autism, autismspeaks.org is a good place to start.
Audrey is a beautiful energetic sweet heart and one of the loves of my life. Our love and resolve to ensure that she leads a happy and healthy life will not run out.
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