One year ago I (along with a lot of other parents) was in the state capitol in Michigan advocating almost around the clock for three days for passage of Autism Insurance Coverage for Children in the state of Michigan.  Doesn’t seem like it would be a particularly hard thing to convince someone of, does it?  You have a child with a medical diagnosis.  A child with a real neurological condition.  A child that with early treatment and intervention has a great chance to overcome many of the hurdles that their medical condition would otherwise impose on them over the course of their lifetime.  To put it more bluntly, you help these kids and you give them a more promising, productive, rewarding future.

In the midst of what seemed like the final days before Spring Break in a middle school, we (the parents, therapists, children, etc. advocating for this legislation) watched as the legislators … many in their final days as legislators … ate cake and pizza and sang songs karaoke style on the floor of the Senate (seriously).  It was truly as if they’d gotten all of their work done early and were just counting down the final hours of their tax payer funded terms before they could all go home for Christmas break (you see Virginia in Michigan our Senators and Representative collect full-time paychecks but don’t necessarily put in full-time hours or work year round).  One of the things they forgot to do though was give the kids and families in Michigan battling Autism a chance to get their children the life changing help they need.  In what amounted to politics and political gamesmanship at its best (dirtiest?) the bill was blocked and kept as far away from the floor as it could because many (even those opposing it) knew that if the bill got to the floor of the Senate there were enough votes for it to get passed.  That would have been a life changing moment for thousands of kids and families in Michigan. But alas, it was not to be.

That’s history though and the point of this post is not to idly lament history.  My point IS to ask where the champions for our kids have gone in THIS session. You see, this year – 2011 – was supposed to be different.  A ton of new members in the Senate and House meant the entire process had to start over again but THIS time we had a leg up (or maybe not) …. because THIS time we had champions in high places that cared about this legislation (do they?).  But many of us are now, on the anniversary of the crushing defeat felt last year, wondering ….. where have our Champions (or potential Champions) gone?????

Where did Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) go?  He had hearings last year.  Gave countless parents hope and encouragement as he toured around the state in 2010 heading up his Autism Insurance informational sessions.  He accepted awards and spoke at rallies talking about the need for Autism Insurance Reform. He was supposed to be a champion for Autism Insurance in the Senate. Despite the failure last year we were assured that he was a champion, we were assured the he was a fighter, we were assured he wouldn’t forget …. so where is he now as the LEADER of the Senate Republican Majority?

Where did our Champion Lt. Governor Brian Calley go?  He famously has a daughter with Autism.  He was a leading voice late in the charge for the passage of the Autism Insurance legislation last fall. He spoke out on the radio and even did a video on behalf of the legislation trying to advocate for its passage.  He took his shots from the opposition but kept charging. By his own admission his outspoken advocacy for the legislation was perhaps a bit late in the game but there is no doubt that his efforts, if ultimately unsuccessful, were important. You can see him all over the place these days as the Lt. Governor taking the Governor’s message and fight to the two chambers in Lansing and the media (the bridge to Canada, the budget, school funding, tax reform, etc.).  He had fire and passion last year for Autism Insurance Coverage for Michigan’s kids ……. but where is our Lt. Governor today?

Senator Jim Marleau – Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee – He has supported Autism and disability rights issues for years.  He sits on the board of the nonprofit “Homes for Autism”. When it was announced that he would be the Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee and that the Autism Insurance for Children bills would be assigned to his committee there was widespread relief.  With someone who understood the issue we all figured the odds of it getting locked and blocked in committee never to see the light of day on the Senate chamber floor (as happened last year) would be a concern we could shelf. A funny thing happened on the way out of the Health Policy committee though …… nothing (it’s like visions of last year all over again). Our potential Champion who could bring this legislation up in his committee and send it to the Senate floor, well, ummmm … he isn’t. Senator Marleau …… where are you?

Just to be clear I’m not disparaging any of these three Republican politicians. (I highlight Republican here because it IS the Republicans stopping this legislation just as it was last year.  As a conservative Republican it pains me to say this but the reason our kids in Michigan don’t have Autism coverage is because the Republicans … at least thus far …. have not wanted them to have it. The truth hurts but that doesn’t make it less true …. sadly.)  I have a tremendous amount of respect for them and believe that the leadership they could provide this State is much needed.

My frustration however is this ….. they’ve all elected to not be loud, vocal, aggressive advocates for our kids.  Despite their strength and influence and stature they’ve all elected to sit on their hands and not do anything.  Despite their vocal support of these kids and families and helping them at Autism related events ….. they’re not delivering.

Who knows, maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe behind the scenes these three potential Champions for our kids are working hard and trying to line up the votes. However, these Republicans are finishing up their first year in office. They’ve passed 231 new laws. Of those laws 95% of them have been laws championed and introduced by Republicans. That’s 231 new laws in less than a year.

So it’s not like they can’t get something they care about passed.

But not a whisper about Autism.

The rate of Autism and the number of births in the State of Michigan would suggest that over 1,000 additional children in the State of Michigan were diagnosed this past year. That’s over 1,000 additional families that are discovering that their insurance company WILL NOT cover their child.

They will not cover the life changing therapies.

They will not cover the interventions that literally will mean a savings of millions of dollars over the lifetime of that child.

Approximately 1,000 additional children were diagnosed with Autism this year and they won’t have coverage because our Senators and Representatives don’t think that they’re important enough to protect.

Michigan was one of the first states in the country to take up the Autism Insurance fight for our kids.  In the time that our State Senators, Representatives and Governors have done nothing, 29 other states have stepped up to protect their children.

A year ago I was in Lansing tonight working hard with other parents to try to get coverage passed that would have helped thousands of children and families across the state. We were fighting for our kids but we were also fighting so that those 1,000 children newly diagnosed this past year wouldn’t have to suffer like our children and families have had to suffer.

A year ago we watched the Senate singing karaoke on the floor of the chamber, glad handing each other while they ate pizza and cake and then snuck out of town after abandoning our kids.

This year’s Senate and House have also chosen to ignore these children.

Where did our Champions go?

Have they really forgotten about our kids that quickly?

Source: The Dome Magazine

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We just got our confirmation from Santa that our annual “Special Kids Santa Event” at 12 Oaks Mall will be taking place on December 4th this year from 9:00am to 10:45am.

During this special reserved time families of children with Autism and other special needs have the ability to take the time they need in a more relaxed environment to visit and take pictures with Santa.  Professional photographers will be available.  If visiting Santa has always been a tough thing for your child and family because of the crowds, noise, chaos, lines, etc. this event is the solution you’ve been looking for.  During this time the mall is only open to mall walkers and employees so it’s a GREAT opportunity to let your child have the same “going to the mall to get pictures with Santa” experience that their classmates get to enjoy!

If you have any questions please call Staci @ 734-612-3934!  Hope to see you there!

What: Special Kids Santa

Where: Twelve Oaks, Novi Michigan (map)

Who: MyGreatKid.com & Our Great Kids

What Day: Sunday, December 4th, 2011

What Time : 9:00-10:45am

This year’s theme will be the “Ice Palace” of Narnia.

***Download Friendly Flyer – Sensory Friendly Santa Visit

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While teachers are losing their jobs, estimates are that the recall election of MI Rep. Paul Scott cost about $1 million dollars (source: MIRS). 

Wow a $1,000,000.00 fight over a Rep. seat because, in large part, of his stances on Education Reform. I wonder how many educational improvements, teachers/admin salaries, new school resources could have been purchased with that $1,000,000 ?

Not to mention the 1,000′s of man (and women) hours spent on the recall ….. wonder how many kids could have been helped if we could have mobilized all that effort into the classrooms?

The kicker is that Rep. Scott was replaced as Chair of the House Education Committee by Rep. Tom McMillin …. who’s even MORE conservative than Rep. Scott….. so in the end, was it really worth $1,000,000?

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We’ve had such a great response to the Wrightslaw Conference and so much fantastic support from the business community that we’ve decided to add a special BONUS to this conference for FREE!!!!

FREE March 11th Pre-Conference Friday Night  “Experts Sessions” We’ve gathered some of the top experts in this state to share their expertise on a variety of Parenting and Education topics which will help you, help your child and help your family.  Trainings and sessions with these experts frequently cost hundreds of dollars but they’ve agree to share some of their expertise with you on this special night … FOR FREE. Don’t miss out!!!

• Stephanie Cork – RLAC – “Orton-Gillingham & Other Reading Intervention Strategies For Special Needs Children”
• Tom Kendziorski – The ARC of Oakland County – “Social Security, Transitions and Planning A More Secure Future For Your Child”
• Jamie McGillivary – Beaumont HOPE Center & Healing Haven – “Stress Reduction For The Special Needs Family”
• Aubry Dodge – Behavioral Consultant – “Fixing Wrong Behaviors: Functional Behavior Analysis & Behavior Intervention Plans”
• Dean Norton -  Mac Professionals – “The IPad Educational Revolution & Education Technology”
• Dr. Linsk – Integrative Medicine & Pediatrics – “The What & How of BioMedical Interventions For Kids With Special Needs”
• Dr. Wycoff – Wycoff Wellness Center - “Another Way Of Looking At, Understanding & Treating Allergies”

This Friday night “Pre-Conference” Experts Night is our thank you to all of you and a rare opportunity to get some great information from some of the top experts in their fields FREE OF CHARGE. So please join us for this special night.

Click here to view a flyer for this event – Friday Night Speakers – please feel free to download it or share it with your friends!

*** You don’t need to have a ticket to the Wrightslaw Conference to attend this special Friday night speakers night.

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“Lights UP, Sound Down—Sensory Friendly Movie Program”

with a Special Showing Of

“Rango”

On March 5th, 2011 @ 9:15am

This monthly program is open to all families & children BUT is specifically designed for families & children with Autism and Sensory Issues which make watching a movie during prime time hours challenging. During the movie the theater will be a little bit brighter (that’s the Lights Up part) and it will be a little bit quieter (that’s the Sound Down part). This special showing is specifically designed (with the help of parents that understand these challenges first hand) to allow families and children with Autism and related challenges to enjoy a REAL movie in a REAL movie theater.

* Concessions will be available for purchase. If you have a child on a special diet, please call : 734-612-3934, for details!

Canton Cinemas – (map)

From Goodrich Cinemas :

Goodrich Quality Theaters is proud to present Lights Up, Sound Down. Lights Up, Sound Down gives families with children who have special needs the opportunity to enjoy their favorite movies in a comfortable, sensory – friendly setting with the lights turned up and volume turned down in the auditorium.

We recently have had requests from local autistic groups and played special screenings with positive feedback in our theaters located in Lafayette, IN and Canton, MI. We are excited to expand this program to more locations.

We offer a screening once a month of first run movies on Saturdays at 9:15am.

Available at select locations: Canton Cinema (Canton, MI), Grand Haven 9 (Grand Haven, MI), Hamilton 16 IMAX (Noblesville, IN), Holland 7 (Holland, MI), Lafayette 7 (Lafayette, IN), Portage 16 IMAX (Portage, IN), Quality 16 (Ann Arbor, MI), Randall 15 IMAX (Batavia, IL), and Savoy 16 (Champaign, IL).

Regular Matinee prices apply. Ask about Concession Discounts for groups of 15 or more!

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Today we hit the two week mark before the Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference AND the “Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game”.

On Saturday, March 12th during the day we will be hosting Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Expert and practicing Attorney Wayne Steedman who will be sharing information with us to insure we’re acting as fully educated & fully prepared advocates for our children at school. For more details about this conference please click here.

Click here for our list of common “Special Education Have You Ever ….” questions!!!

Then that evening, in cooperation with Autism ASK and the Royal Oak Police & Fire Fighters, we will be having a fantastic charity hockey game fundraiser with Special Guest Coach former Red Wing Great Darren McCarty. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards therapy scholarships for children with Autism in the state of Michigan.  All money raised will stay in Michigan for Michigan children.

Click picture for ticket information!!!

We know it’s a full action packed schedule of activities but would love to see you join us on this important day.  During the day you’ll receive invaluable information that will will literally change the path of your child’s education and future (read our story here) and then in the evening you can take your family out for a fun night of hockey and Autism family friendly fun while helping families in this area struggling with the ability to provide their children the life changing therapy that they need.

We look forward to having you join us for these two great events on March 12th!!!!

Wrightslaw Special Education Law Conference

“Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game Fundraiser”

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February’s Lights Up, Sound Down Family Sensory Friendly Movie

Canton Cinema

Saturday Feb. 19 - Gnomeo and Juliet – 9:15am

Come Join Us This Saturday To Enjoy This Great New Family Movie!!!

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On February 12th the Michigan Autism Physicians Network will be hosting their “Autism: Biomedical Treatments – Care – Options” conference at The Renaissance Baronette Hotel in Novi, Michigan.  This conference will be a fantastic opportunity to hear from some of the top names in Biomedical treatment and to learn more about the biomedical approach to treating Autism and a variety of other health conditions.  For details on the conference please click here for more information.

We at “My Great Kid” believe in the biomedical approach and in the tremendous benefits of biomedical treatments so much in fact that we have teamed up with Health Dimensions Compounding Pharmacy and the other folks putting this conference on to offer the following special packages and giveaway:

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY

ONE FREE TICKET TO THE : “AUTISM: Biomedical Treatments – Care – Options

1 Free Night Stay For The Evening Of Feb. 12th, 2001 At The Renaissance Hotel Baronette

Find out more about the conference by clicking here and more about this beautiful hotel by clicking here

However, in addition to the Grand Prize Giveaway, we also have 9 tickets available for the conference  for only $50.00.  So, for those of you who would like to make it to the conference but are finding the money situation a little tight this is a chance to get a ticket to this fantastic conference for 1/2 off.

To enter for the Grand Prize Giveaway or the discounted ticket giveaway all you need to do is go to our Biomedical Conference page – here – and leave a comment or send an email to steve@mygreatkid.com.  All prize winners will be chosen on Sunday, Feb. 6th, 2011 and winners will be contacted by phone or email.

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What does fate have to do with our Personal Legend? (by Mike)

There’s an important difference between blind fate and the path of the personal legend. When we speak of fate, man’s free will is absent: we are merely puppets in the hands of a cold and distant puppeteer.
In the case of personal legend, there’s the dimension of mission. This means that the person has to actively wish to thread down the path that will enable her to flourish. It is a difficult path, there are many obstacles, but it’s the person’s choice. There is always the possibility for us to turn our backs to our personal legend.

Can the heart be wrong? (by Antonya)

How will you judge that? With your mind? If you do this, you will always find ways to discredit your heart. But these are illusions.
Think of your heart as an instrument that goes beyond the typical right and wrong views. Your heart will always be your north star in life – as long as you listen to it and give it a chance to talk to you.

If the Universe says No, sometimes more than once, to something you really want, what do you do? (by Angie)

If your wish is deep-rooted in your soul, persist. If not – the Universe is simply echoing your inner turmoil.
Always ask yourself how far are you able to go in the path of your dreams. Only when you are capable of answering that question will you be able to move forward.
But don’t forget: to enjoy the rainbow, you must also enjoy the rain

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