Source

Detroit Free Press May 6, 2007

Based on feedback provided by Scott Novitsky of Walker, Michigan, USA, father of Maiya (4 RTT).

Excerpt

The increase in autism cases is creating challenges for public schools across metro Detroit that are charged with providing a free education to all children, even if that means they have to treat a disability before a child can learn. Because insurance companies rarely cover costly therapies and programs for children with autism, the schools are often their only source of treatment. And the schools are searching for new approaches to reach them.

While public schools are the main provider of resources and treatment for children with autism, there is no consistency in the availability or quality of programs from one district to the next because Michigan does not mandate what schools should do for these children. In 2005-06, Michigan’s public schools spent $93.5 million on programs just for children with autism. That money is on top of what the schools pay special-education teachers, psychologists, social workers and others who also deal with children with autism.

For parents who are not happy with their local district’s offerings, the only alternative is making their way through a maze of costly programs and medical treatments. Scott Novitsky of Walker considers himself one of the fortunate few. His insurance helps pay the small army of professionals treating his 4-year-old daughter, Maiya. She has Rett syndrome, a severe form of autism. She does not speak, has gastrointestinal problems and has no control of her hands. She suffers from uncontrollable repetitive movements and uses a wheelchair. "The insurance companies wanted to pawn everything off on the school system," Novitsky said. His goal is to keep Maiya from regressing. If she makes gains, that’s even better. "We’re going to just enjoy the time we have with her and keep her happy," he said. "And hopefully the cure will come."