Autism Speaks

Even before I had children of my own, I worked as an ABA therapist for young children with Autism. Over the course of 10 years, and with six different families, I've watched parents give more of their time, energy, and resources than they had to spare so that their child could have the early intervention that would promise a fuller life. I have seen siblings sleep 4 to a room so that a bedroom could be devoted to therapy sessions. I've been awed by the tenacity with which a mother will pursue the best treatment for her child, regardless of cost or personal sacrifice. More children are diagnosed with Autism each year than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Yet the cause is still unknown, a cure elusive...and the effective treatments and interventions that have been found are NOT covered by insurance! I think it's high time we change that: Find the Cause, Find the Cure , and Fund the Treatment.

The Band Five for Fighting will donate $0.49 to Autism research each time this video is viewed, so please take a minute to watch.
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214

When you're done watching, you can follow this link to the Autism Speaks website to find out who your representative is, and how to email them with a request to support legislation that will give children with Autism a running start--by funding early intervention and compelling the insurance industry to cover the treatment of such a prevalent disorder. These little ones have such deep, beautiful, old souls. It would be a travesty to allow them to continue to struggle, when we as a society have the power to intervene.

Update: 10 pm
I just emailed my representative as well as Sen. Mel Martinez and Sen. Bill Nelson. Just 4 minutes to add one more voice.