Aaaarrrrrgggggghhhhh!!! I didn't know

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Aaaarrrrrgggggghhhhh!!! I didn't know
11
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 4:10pm

that I had to be independently wealthy in order to have a special needs child!!!!

So, I'm checking into summer camp situations for son. One is for social skills.....two hours a day - 3 days a week.....$350 A WEEK!!!!!!

Even better is a 2 week (Monday thru Friday - 9 am to 4 pm) intensive camp that has OT, ST, hippotherapy and several other great programs......$3600!!!!!!

There is no way we can afford any of this. I quit my job 2 years ago and we are living on DH's salary.....decent but not great.

Holy whole in a donut Batman......how can we afford this!

Just whining.....

Christie

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Registered: 02-20-2001
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 5:25pm

I posted almost the same exact post about 2 weeks ago! lol.

 


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Avatar for googolplex
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Registered: 03-31-2003
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 5:48pm

OMG! That is not what I needed to hear right now. I just found out my "nt" child has Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and spent this morning leaving messages for the OT's and "play therapists" that were recommended by the developmental pediatrician.

We're also looking into a play therapy group for David, as well as a social skills group. I've been pretty naive about his needs, but now I really think he could use this kind of stuff. I haven't even thought about cost yet. I'm too busy just trying to find people and get them to return my calls!

What fun.

Evelyn

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Registered: 03-28-2003
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 6:11pm

delete




Edited 2/19/2008 9:29 pm ET by littleroses
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Registered: 02-20-2001
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 6:22pm
We started Bobby in a social skills playgroup about a month ago.

 


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Registered: 08-26-2005
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 7:54pm
OMG, I am having second thoughts about moving!Tina, I had no idea you paid so much out of pocket for services for Bobby.Do you MA for him? Have you looked into the provider 50 program if he has MA? I know here in Lehigh County with wraparound services Jake was offered camp for the summer which I turned down because we will be moving. This is making me really nervous because we are already going to have to pay for one of Jake's current therapists(from EI) to continue working with him after he leaves and goes to the IU. She will see him once a week for $50 which may not seem like a lot but I was told by Ella's OT that she will not get services when we move and I feel she needs to continue with OT and god knows what that will cost.Really if I could afford it Jake would continue getting PT because of his motor problems but because I am at home with the kids and there is only one paycheck it's hard.Frustrating!!!
Teresa
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 9:23pm

It is frustrating but you can get pretty creative if need be. First, find out everything they are qualified for to recieve as support services. Either through state agencies, insurances, etc. Also find out if there are programs and such through charitable organizations for kids with special needs. And then also figure out what "typical" programs you can put your child into that would fill the same needs for your child as the specialized one.

We do pay for hippotherapy private but I have found some other options for us for summer. Some are multiple hundreds but others aren't so bad and some even have scholarships.

Often programs like YMCA accept children with disabilities and I know some around here even have inclusion specialists who make sure the needs of special needs children are taken care of. I know through a program at a YMCA near here my nephew gets a 1:1 aide at YMCA camps over the summer. They pay for the regular camp but not for the aide. That is provided though this program.

Our local ASA has summer camps for kids with disabilities called Camp I CAN (camp including children with autism now). It is only $150 for ASA members because they do alot of fund raising for the camp. Both my kids are going this summer. There is also a surf camp for kids with autism for 125 through the ASA. There are other surf camps that are privately run for autistic kids that are over $500. My work is providing 1/2 day sensory camps for kids with SN for 125 a week.

Check regular camps and see what thier policy for kids with SN are. Check with your local ASA to see what other options there are. Check with your insurance or any service coordinator to see if any of these services or similar are available.

If you still can't afford it then set up your own summer schedule. Swimming lessons are a good start or frequent swimming and sensory outings. Find out what free parent child programs are offered in town like story time at the library. Write social stories, print up autism cards and take him being his aide.

Good luck!

Renee

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Registered: 03-31-2003
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 12:29am

Renee,

You go, girl! :)

You are one awesome mom!

Evelyn

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Registered: 06-25-2003
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 7:01am

Chrtistie,

Those guys are gouging special needs parents, and that's unconscionable.

Check out other resources locally: community centers, your town, hospitals, charities, the PTA or organizations for special needs kids (Easter Seals, ASA, CHADD) and see if you can find a better deal. Often you will find stuff if you know where to look or who to ask.

A couple of years ago; I found out completely by accident (word of mouth) that our town runs a summer recreation and respite care program for special needs kids. Through much digging I eventually found the town's "Dept of the Handicapped" (LOL) and got hooked up with a 6 week, full day summer program with bussing for $75.

Of course our taxes are another story...

-Paula

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
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Registered: 02-20-2001
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 7:06am

Teresa,


The social skills playgroup that we go to and I really think is important to do is apparently now being paid for by DCIU for their

 


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 9:01am

Well I guess I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel......my son is in the process of becoming enrolled with our county's board of MRDD (mental retardation and developmental disabilities).....we have our final interview on Monday (3/27/06). I just found out that if son is enrolled with the county, they will pay for the one summer camp I was looking into (social skills at $350 a week)......how awesome would that be! I guess I need to start digging and find out what other programs/services they offer.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences....

Christie

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