Ahead of a Storm

I was catching up a friend on the kids and summer so far. Isn't it funny how writing a letter can put things into perspective for you?

I was gushing about the progress both kids have made over the past few months. That was fun, because this is a cheering section kind of friend. You know, the one that cheers you on when the rest of the world thinks you're nuts, and vice versa -- because you know & like each other so well?

Then I started on what I was doing, and realized that lately I am getting more involved with programs from which James has benefitted. Because they are in serious need of help and parental support. Despite best efforts, the state's budgeters have chosen to make themselves look good while in office at the expense of future generations.

Many people will be hurting and some good things were saved. Myself, I have tunnel vision, and it's called Education & Special Needs. We have paid into the system for decades and this is what our kids need Right Now.

Next year classroom sizes at my daughter's school will be 22 students per class with no class aide (up from 20 students per classroom and again no aides) (my mother taught for almost 40 years; what I have to say about this fiasco is a whole other post). Early Start funding has been slashed.

Here is the chilling thing, to me:
"The additional cuts Schwarzenegger made Tuesday also include $37.5 million from the In-Home Supportive Services program, $50 million from the Early Start program to screen children for developmental disabilities, and more than $6 million in cuts from programs for the aging." (link to article)

Early Start is what saved our sanity and gave James a crucial boost when we first were figuring out that Something Was Wrong. Our North Bay Regional Center (NBRC) descended upon us and put in a referral for a formal assessment for our son. While we waited 5 months for the appointment, they made services available to us that (at the time) we had no idea James needed.

Since then, I have heard horror stories of parents fighting for almost a year to get these services, as well as the immense benefits of receiving early intervention before the age of 3, due to how the brain grows and absorbs information.
" ... the earlier the diagnosis of ASD is made, the earlier needed interventions can begin. Evidence over the last 15 years indicates that intensive early intervention in optimal educational settings for at least 2 years during the preschool years results in improved outcomes in most young children with ASD." (link to source)

I have a hard time believing that knowing what they do now, the governor and legislators have cut funding to an effective program that can have its best impact on a person's life, as well as that of their family.

James was first assessed by his pediatrician at 18 months, and we were told he was in the range of normal. I was told that again at 2 years, but I insisted on a referral being called in. He was first assessed by the NBRC at age 2 years, 4 months. He was almost 3 by the time he was formally diagnosed with Autistic Disorder, and at a higher level than any of his therapists suspected. His therapist didn't know if he'd be verbal or non-verbal.

Flash forward to a year after his initial NBRC assessment. His preschool teacher commented she had never seen a child progress so quickly in so short a time.

This is why I get shivers reading about our current budget crisis. I feel like we are just barely outrunning a big storm. But what about the others who are caught up in it now? And will not receive the services they should?

I see misery and sadness of families, frustration from the kids, and costs to us all about 15 years down the road that are, in a word SHAMEFUL.