Stories from Caregivers: Desmond from ALASKA
AK
Desmond
FROM ALASKA
For the last 9 years, we have raised our grandson. While we knew he had ADHD we did not realize the extent of his disability. ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Autistic disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder. ODD, GAD, OCD. It has been a rough time for us. We have kept private insurance on him as he did not qualify for Medicaid. Even with private insurance, it did not cover everything. Over the 9 years, it has taken this long to have definite Diagnosis. Over the seven years, we have covered all medical costs via insurance and out of pocket. Now it is recommended he attend daily therapy sessions. Cost is $150 a day $750 a week. This is not covered by insurance. Nor do we get any financial support or ever received any form of outside support. Parents and grandparents of developmentally disabled children face a lifetime of challenges related to raising, and protecting their family. They cherish the special bonds they hold with their disabled loved ones, yet they frequently find themselves exhausted physically, emotionally, and even financially by their role as caregivers. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "about one in six children in the United States has a developmental disability, ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism." It is our aim to provide extensive therapy for him so he will be able to function independently.
