Medicare and SPD

by Holly
(Batesville, Indiana)

I want to know if any state is yet to cover SPD as a disability? I am in the process right now of finding out if Indiana does. My son is 4 years old and I am single mom with three kids. Their father does not help with taking off work for any of my son's appointments. I am losing about $80 to $90 a week in time off and gas. This is not including the medical bills that are adding up. I can't financially afford to continue all his different types of therapies. He can not afford me to quit.

My son was diagnosised in September. I feel better knowing why he is the way he is now but, I spend most of my time with him heart broken because everything is so hard for him. Between my family's opinions that he is obnoxious and his feelings of self doubt, I am overwelhmed. I am lucky to have a very good ocupational therapist for him. I have found a excellent massage therapist. Now I have to find a psychologist.

Thanks,
Holly

The SPD Help Line Answers...

At this point SPD is not recognized as a disability, and will not be at least until it gets into the official medical diagnostic manuals. This is still years away. Bummer I know!!

However, the various issues that go along with SPD can sometimes be recognized as a disability. I would use as many specifics as you can regarding the behaviors and difficulties with developmental, social, behavior and learning issues he has to "justify" your case. These are really the issues to focus on... how his life is impacted from a functional and developmental standpoint. The "SPD" diagnosis, at this point isn't enough, unfortunately. I hope someday it will!!

You may find some other parents who have some advice on this in the online support group SID-DSI_AllAboutKids. I would try there too, ok?

If anyone out there has fought the disability system regarding the consequences of SPD, can you let Holly know some pointers? Anyone have any ideas for resources, information, or contacts? Please let Holly know where to go from here, ok? Thank you in advance!

Wish I had better news for you. If you find something out that would help others in the same situation, please let us know, ok? Sorry I couldn't help more.

Take good care.
Michele Mitchell