Alright – so, Alex and I go years back. I met Alex over a decade ago, omg I feel old now. When I first started advocating at Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) with other autism parents, Alex was the first person that then DHS commissioner Ludeman back in Gov Pawlenty’s administration (the good old days) asked to answer my million autism questions. I remember I would call Alex and ask her questions about what services does DHS cover for kids with autism including does DHS pay/cover ABA therapy. Of course, we now know that DHS did not cover ABA therapy for kids with autism who had Medicaid but it did for wealthier kids who had TEFRA. I would find out when Alex would be testifying at the capitol and make sure I go there to testify and ask the same questions again and again. The committee chair would then have to call Alex as she often represented DHS and ask her “does DHS cover ABA therapy”. Alex would politely say no. Then I would say “yes they do but only for wealthy and mostly non-minority families”.
I know this pissed so many but it also made this state wake up to its many many many disparity and bias ways. As they say the rest is history and Minn now has one of the best ABA therapy coverage for kids with autism in the nation. This blog is not my advocacy and how ABA coverage came about, it is about Alex and my interactions with her.
I am eternally grateful to Alex. From day one until we actually passed not just EIBDI but other policies and laws helping kids with autism, Alex has always listened and took my views and concerns to heart. This does not mean I got everything I asked her but she listened. Of course, I wish her replacement was a person of color but maybe that is a dream. DHS is still one of the most racist agency in the state and will probably stay that way for a long time. Yes, I know they hired a black assistant commissioner but that is just for appearance not because DHS actually cares about equity nor equality – not under Governor Walz anyway.
Thank you Alex for validating my points, listening to my concerns, answering my questions and most of all respecting me even when we disagreed. No matter what I threw at you in state committees, meetings or in person – you always remained calm, cool and collected. Thank you for vising Somali community in Brian Coyle with then Asst Commissioner Loren and hearing from Somali autism parents. Thank you for all that you have done. I along with thousands of autism families in Minnesota will benefit from the many policies that you helped us with.
I wish you all the best in your next chapter!
Above words do not reflect any committee, agency or candidate.
Idil – Autism Mom