Are we the next voting demographic

Now, I normally dont get very political because usually folks can not have a civil convo about any of it. But this article is popping up all over my FB feed, I read it and honestly, not impressed. I mean, thanks for mentioning Autism but that was all I got out of that.

Here is the article I am talking about, enjoy......or not.....whatever.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/01/05/hillary-clinton-outlines-autism-proposal-calling-for-nationwide-early-screening-initiative/

Basically, in a nut shell. Hillary wants to get funding for diagnosing, treatment, finding cause, helping adult autistics after they 'age out' of the system. That is great, really, it is about time. However, how would this pass congress? how would it be paid for? How would a national plan look? Usually to make things better, you have to get rid of the red tape......wouldn't this be adding to the tape????

Most people that are in our boat do not care about what caused it, we need tools to help our family survive the day to day stuff, and to help our kids on the spectrum become adults on the spectrum and be the best they can be. My goal as a parent is to get my children to be functioning, independent, productive, members of society. Now how is that going to look in reality, I'm not sure, we have a ways to go still.

Also, my one kid's needs vary from the other.....how can you make a plan that would encompass ALL spectrum individuals?

This is my theory. I think *they* (assuming there will be more politicians that jump on this band wagon) are seeing the parents/caregivers/autistic adults as a voting demographic. Not that they dont truly want to see some change but it is really hard to know what needs done, how to help, etc. unless you live in this world. Here's an idea, not just listen to families, but listen to autistic adults!!!!! *what a novel idea*

Ask families what would help, what therapies should be included *like why is ABA therapy not part of the ACA*. Tthat if your medical insurance doesnt cover something and your kids dont meet guidelines for state assistance those families are left out in the cold to pay for everything on their own......that is a struggle. When your kid 'ages out' of the system at 21 they are shoved off the cliff-they have years long wait lists for services.....again, qualifying is something else.  Ask Ari Ne’eman, president of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network his input on what needs to be done!

What I am asking all of us in the trenches to do is to stop and think about your vote. I know that everything sounds great but how would this get done? Keep writing to your congressman, keep the pressure on. Join advocacy networks to make your voice heard. I am part of American Military Families Autism Support.....it is a 'boots on the ground' grass roots network that helps military families with children on the spectrum with navigating insurance, military moves, and much more. We have made a difference in shaping tricare policy for our kids. Our voice is getting louder.

Make your voice heard, make the politicians accountable.