Today I’m writing to ask for support in helping my family provide an adaptive stroller for our son, Michael. Michael is 9 years old, turning 10 in January, and is level 3 autistic with ADHD, speech and expressive language delays, and developmental delays. He struggles with everyday things, including noise, lights, basic safety, social cues, and many other hurdles.

Michael is no longer able to come out on outings, such as errands, weekend trips to museums or places he enjoys, playdates, etc., with myself or my husband. He becomes incredibly fearful, aggravated, and hard to handle, resulting in elopement. Michael does not understand danger in any aspect, so this is a huge concern for us. We have addressed this with his CHKD Developmental Behavior doctor, along with his weekly occupational therapist. We’re not sure what the issue is, when it began, or how to treat it, but for the past year, I’ve had to handle most of the errands or anything that needs done outside of the house alone – either before work, after work, or on my husband’s day off (which is ever changing since he works long hours in retail). Michael’s fear and anxiety of carts, people, stores in general, and all the sensory issues that it comes with, has led him to elope a few times, putting him at risk of getting hurt or running away from me. 

Our doctor at CHKD and multiple therapists have collaborated with us to obtain a referral for an adaptive stroller. This stroller could help reduce his anxiety, prevent elopement, facilitate safe transportation in and out of our home, and address other challenges he’s been experiencing. Unfortunately, Medicaid denied our initial request. We have submitted an appeal that included supporting documents from his physical therapist, his occupational therapist, pediatrician, and CHKD Developmental Behavior doctor. We are currently appealing against the denial with additional evidence underlining all the issues of safety and medical necessity for this equipment.

Thank you for considering a donation. No amount is too small; even $5 can make a difference. Your support will help us acquire the equipment that Michael desperately needs.