Help Sparrow Bockner Access Critical Therapies
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Help Sparrow Bockner Access Critical Therapies for Autism and Motor Skill Development
Hello friends, I am looking for any donations big or small, or if u could pass on the link to the gofundme to someone u think might b able to donate, for Sparrow for the following reasons:
Recently, Sparrow was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) which is a motor skills disorder that occurs when a delay in the development of motor skills, or difficulty coordinating movements, results in a child being unable to perform common, everyday tasks.
DCD affects his fine and gross motor abilities so while he is reading at a level above his peers he struggles with holding a pencil, writing letters, and drawing objects as well as learning to ride a bike and other gross motor skill related activities.
Portions of OT diagnosis
Interventions delivered and modelled for myself and a BI are essential through the hiring of an OT, they cost about 200 an hour as they are highly specialized clinicians, and do a job that no one else can, as is the case for SLPs.The assessment which I selected key portions from actually cost 3,000 dollars for about 2 hours. Just an example of the cost
Similarly we need to employ an SLP, (150 to 200 an hr) to continue to receive interventions that target sensory social issues which change as a child enters new phases of development.
Portions of SLP report
I remember when Sparrow got his diagnosis at age 2, and how being able to hire specialists helped in truly indescribable ways. at that time he just stared at lightbulbs and fans, flapped his hands infront of his face and eventually lined up cars all day while ignoring. me.
What concerns me greatly is that without therapy during my application process and subsequent denial of only funding in NS, i am seeing behaviours that I have not seen in years and of course it greatly worries me.
BC has an amazing early intervention program, which is how he made such strides, however it goes from 22,000 a year until they are 7, at which point it drops to 6000.
In Ontario there is a 7. year waiting list for coverage of clinical interventions,
In Alberta the wait list is 3 years
Manitoba offers no money for therapies
Saskatchewan offers 6000 but after a lengthy wait, and they are cut off at age 11.
Nova Scotia and Maritime provinces have essentially no funding for parents to hire clinicians after age 6. The only money they have is under the label of 'respite funding' which Is supposed to provide parents some time to decompress, and not to hire clinicians or home visit therapies.
Shockingly, half of families are denied and this CBC expose explains why:
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7174288?fbclid=IwY2xjawGIDuZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW9NEzhVjFTaXjmkPGDZXR1CMMQVt1TW6HIuoXAQ7Cj5pEIkj1E9RqfX-w_aem_reftKi7ZhIL2XjoSfzmc4w
Sparrow was denied and I was told he could be on a 3 year wait list for a psych evaluation to see if his IQ falls below 70, despite the fact that IQ has been debunked.
I include some articles that I found when researching these conditions because they show that the critera is simply wrong. I suppose it has to do with money, like everything does, I have met and spoken to many desperate worried families in the maritimes.. One mom described services here as 'a hellscape'.
https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/the-blurred-line-between-autism-and-intellectual-disability/
https://asatonline.org/research-treatment/clinical-corner/relationship-autism-and-intellectual-disability/
All parents want the very best for their children. We do anything to try to give them the tools they need to navigate the world.
According to studies, the experiences of families (in particular mothers and single mothers) involves a level of stress comparable to people engaged in war zone conflicts.
Here are a couple of links to the studies I mentioned, helpful for understanding the situation for families (mothers, in my situation) not in any way meant to suggest that it is not also a joyful and unmatched experience to have my unique child).
https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com/2019/04/19/stress-levels-of-parents-of-autistic-children-comparable-to-combat-soldiers/
Whichever province we end up in, significant financial limitations are a reality now that he is of school age, and that is why I am hoping to reach this financial goal. We cannot fund endlessly but it can be used to its best advantage as I have a lot of experience now with funding allotment for ultimate outcomes.
Of note is that I’ve attempted every avenue available to me and had no success, despite my skills and motivation as an advocate for him. It’s the first time I have not been able to get results because you cannot get blood from a stone.
Time is of the essence. Critical developmental moments are passing, and therapeutic interventions are invaluable in assuring Sparrow has the tools he will need to grow up and live a socially connected, emotionally fulfilling, and physically active life.
SO...
Anything helps! If you are unable to assist us financially, which makes sense as everyone is being hit by tough economic times, please send your thoughts and love energy to us. We send ours back to you!
Thank you all for being part of our journey and for your continued support.
Much Love from Rose and Sparrow
Organizer
Rosemary Alexandra Bockner
Organizer
Rang-Saint-Georges, NB