non-traditional therapies

[alizesmom]

The profiting from autism thread started me thinking. There are many non-traditional therapies available for autism and for physical/mental disabilities.
You will hear a lot about them from people who have seen improvement and can't understand why everyone doesn't try them. I have heard from parents who chase all over the world to try some therapies. This actually isn't just related to non-traditional therapies, you also hear that if your child has X then you absolutely must see Dr Z because he or his clinic is the best. For me a) I can't afford this, b) I have no idea which touted therapy to trust c) I don't know which condition my kids have that I should prioritize. I go by my gut, what insurance will pay for and information gathering that I do to make treatment choices. Nonetheless I end up feeling like a bad mom especially if I don't see them progress. Anyone else out there in this boat? How do you cope? Do you ever decide not to go for a certain treatment because you can't afford it or it's too inaccessible or it just takes too much effort (I'm referring to intensive programs which would only target a small aspect of my child as a whole). I'm eager to hear any responses. Karen

 

[pilgrimr]

I am also hesitant to have my son go through different therapies. I have heard people talk about how their child is doing better with it, but I don't know if I really believe it. Now we do do things like horse riding and swimming therapy. But we look for ones that are non profit that help. We also are looking at music therapy, but this would be paid through state funds. We could not afford even one and insurance does not cover any of these. We also feel bad that we can't afford to do more. For us though we do the best we can and we do what think is for the best. I know my child the best and I have good idea what works and I am sure you know your child the best and have his best interest in mind. Again, we can only hope for the best and do what we can.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Boy, can we relate. We're currently trying to figure out how to pay for a DAN b/c we're at the point where DD's psychiatrist wants to try Risperidol (excuse the spelling). I don't want my kids on more and more meds w/o trying everything we possibly can. We ask ourselves are we choosing the right things every week - or more. Currently we're paying oop for DD's behavioural specialist ($130/wk) but b/c of that can't afford OT right now. Are we making the right choice? I have no idea. Gee, no wonder I can't sleep lol. I'm glad you started this thread, though. It's nice to know we're not the only one's who wonder.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

Today is the last day for Lily's 3wk intense PT and yes she has had a huge improvement in the last three wks it has mostly been stretching fitness and strength training since and at the end of the three weeks she is able to stand w/ a walker and straighteners on her legs and w/out them for a shorter period of time and I have decided to continue w/ this treatment every three to four months and my insurance does cover it the provider currently doesn't accept private insurance she only takes medicaid so I have to pay out of pocket and then have my insurance company reimburse me. I don't mind doing it but at the same time it is stressful b/c I have to front $4,950 and wait at least 21 days to be reimbursed of course its not like I have that much money just laying around my dh and I decided to take out a loan from his 401k. Some of you may also remember a thread I started a couple of months ago about HBOT and as excited as I was to find out that my insurance company will cover I still have to front the $8,000 and file to have my insurance company reimburse me. I just don't understand why doctors and clinics are doing this w/ the PT I do understand that she just opened up last year and is slowly working her way into the whole insurance thing she is much more flexible w/ payment options mainly being I pay one third file w/ my insurance and when I am reimbursed I pay the remainder of the balance so that works but the doctor and his office that is in my network refuses to file w/ my insurance but they are more than willing to help me do it makes me mad. I feel like the people that they hire to do their office work should be on the phones verifying(sp) insurance and all of these things in advance. While I am looking forward to her completion of these therapies and the fact that I have excellent health insurance (I have already threatened dh that he can never leave his job!LOL) I would not be able to provide these therapies as often as I am. It puts alot of strain on dh and I b/c I don't work he works offshore so he makes good money but at the same time having to come up w/ that kind of money at any given time is hard and if it weren't for the 90/10 coverage we have these therapies would be less of an option for us. I wish I had my laptop right now so could show video of her working hard.

The intense PT that she does is through a provider in my area and there are several clinics world wide for more info you can visit www.suittherapy.com and for the HBOT therapy we will be visiting this clinic www.harchhyperbarics.com.

ETA~ sorry this post is so long and hopefully it makes sense I will have to edit it tomorrow night b/c I am getting tired.