During the last session, there was a glimpse of hope when the state House passed House Bill 498 with an impressive majority vote of 105-7. This bill aimed to require insurers to provide more extensive coverage for treating autism spectrum disorders, acknowledging the importance of early intervention and therapy for these individuals. However, the bill faced a roadblock when it reached the Senate, where some members expressed concerns over the potential financial implications.

While it’s understandable that policymakers need to consider the costs associated with expanding coverage, it’s crucial to recognize the long-term benefits of investing in the well-being and development of individuals with autism. Studies have shown that early intervention and ongoing therapy can significantly improve their quality of life and increase their chances of becoming independent and productive members of society.

Beyond the financial considerations, it’s important to remember that supporting families affected by autism is not just an obligation but also a moral imperative. By providing access to comprehensive treatments and support services, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society that embraces diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all.

Efforts are being made by advocacy groups, researchers, and concerned citizens to raise awareness and promote the passage of legislation that will help families facing the challenges of autism spectrum disorders. The hope is that the Senate will reconsider the importance of this issue and take action to ensure that individuals with autism receive the support they need to reach their full potential.

For more information and to stay updated on this ongoing discussion, you can visit the following link: The NC Senate Should Approve More Extensive Autism Coverage.

Hello, my name is Saar, and I’m so happy to share a bit about myself with you. I’m 17 years old and live with my loving family, including my mom, big sister, and furry best friend, Maple. As someone with autism, I sometimes feel different from other kids my age, but my family is always there to support me, and we have an excellent relationship. My sister is incredible and teaches me so much every day. Although I attend a particular school for children like myself, I sometimes struggle with expressing myself fully in long sentences. But despite this challenge, I remain grateful for the love and understanding of those around me.

As a typical boy my age, I enjoy participating in football games and cycling adventures. In addition to these physical activities, I enjoy playing the piano, exploring art through painting, and spending quality time with my friends. My music preferences lean toward classical compositions, operas, and Hebrew songs. Although I find the TV show “The Big Brother” uninteresting due to its constant chatter, I never miss the latest episodes of “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars,” and I have collected all of their CDs.

My class has only eight students, and we all learn at our own pace in the subjects we enjoy. Sometimes, I notice people making strange facial expressions, but I struggle to comprehend their meaning. It’s difficult for me to distinguish emotions like happiness, sadness, fear, or excitement, and I often struggle with appropriate behavior. I have to learn everything from the beginning; even then, I may forget what I’ve learned. If I hear a sound that is too loud, it can be painful, and I have to cover my ears. It’s hard to understand people I don’t know because their voices may sound different. When someone looks at me directly, I lose focus and stop listening to them. I prefer things to be neat, and I get upset if plans change suddenly without prior notice. Recently, I realized I had a crush on a girl in my school. We spend time together daily, playing computer games and traveling on the bus. I enjoy holding her hand and being her protector. However, I’m not allowed to travel or go places alone because I might get lost, so my mother accompanies me to all social events.

I understand that everyone is unique in their way, just like me. My passion is playing the piano and showcasing my talent in front of a large audience. It brings me joy to receive applause for my performance. Additionally, I aspire to use my creativity to paint a more beautiful world when I am older.

When my son was one year and ten months, I went to a baby clinic for a routine checkup to consult the doctor about the problems with feeding him; I was sure the problem lay with me. The doctor examined him for a minute and told me, completely insensitively: “Madam, it seems to me that your son is autistic.” I looked at her like she had lost her mind. I booked an appointment at the Institute for Child Development while trying to convince myself that they would calm my fears and tell me that the doctor was wrong and everything would work out for the best. At the Child Development Institute, my son was diagnosed with p.d.d n.o.s. I was in shock after hearing the diagnosis. I felt my whole world crumbling around me. I began feeling more and more guilty – maybe my son was born this way because I didn’t eat right during my pregnancy, or maybe I shook him too much in my stomach and caused him damage, or maybe something was wrong with my genes, and because of me, he was born like that. At the same time, I blamed the whole world: I was angry at God and angry at fate, I was angry with the doctors and the paramedical team.

As time went by, I started to resign from the situation. As my son started to show some progress with the help of the treatments he received, my sense of powerlessness was diminishing. However small, the need to fight for every achievement has increased my motivation. Throughout the years, I fought to put him into the best kindergarten and get him the best treatment available, and in the end, I fought for his admittance to the best school. Fortunately, I have always won these little wars against all odds. My wonderful son – already 17 years old today – precipitated my efforts through his progress and great love for me. His love gives me the strength to continue fighting to improve his life even more. Today I no longer ask “why it happened to me” but live with the feeling that the fact that it did strengthens me and makes me a better and stronger person. Coping with difficulties changed my point of view and helped me develop patience and tolerance. Parents of autistic children (especially mothers) are selected carefully. I was chosen because of my ability to love and give, which existed in me but was dormant. Pain and anxiety did not disappear, but I’m learning to live with them, and it strengthened me and force me to improve my coping with life.