Counseling

Parents who receive a diagnosis of Autism for their child are left with very little hope for the future. To date, there is no cure for autism. The only treatment recommended by the US Surgeon General, Applied Behavior Analysis, will be covered by insurance in South Carolina beginning July 1, 2008. A Medicaid Pervasive Development Disorder Waiver is in place to treat children with Autism using Applied Behavior Analysis. Currently there is funding available for 120 children. On July 1, 2007, the budget for the Medicaid program will increase to the extent that they can potentially treat 250 more children. However, with the available resources in our state, there is predicted to be a lengthy wait list due to a shortage of providers.

Applied Behavior Analysis can average $70,000.00 per year, with some programs reaching close to $100,000.00 per year. Most families cannot afford such an expense, especially for an unlimited time. The majority of children who do not receive early intensive intervention face eventual separation from their families and become wards of the state, living out their lives either in a group home setting or institutional care.

The divorce statistics of families with children with Autism are staggering. Some estimates run as high as 80%. Clinical depression of one, if not both parents has become commonplace as they are faced with the life altering challenges of caring for their child with autism and maintaining their household. The financial pressure, the social pressure and the isolation eventually can become overwhelming even for the healthiest, confident adult.

Winston's Wish Foundation recognizes the devastating effects a diagnosis of Autism has on a family and parents. Families will have an opportunity to meet with trained professionals to help them work through their grief, fears and apprehensions for the future. By making funding available for private and group counseling opportunities, Winston's Wish Foundation hopes to restore hope to parents and families of children with autism.

We anticipate making this program available in the fall of 2008.