Friday April 26, 2013 was a very busy day for Somali Autism Community.
In the afternoon, Minnesota Department of Human Services Leaders were kind enough to come and listen the heartache, struggles and stories of Somali autism dads and moms. This lasted over two hours of painful stories to hear for me. There were parents who never heard of ABA, let alone get it. Yet, their children were in their teens and were born right here in Minnesota.
There were parents who had strokes, heart attacks, depression and mental health conditions because of the stress of autism, having multiple children with autism, not having waivers, support, early intervention access. People often ask me what drives and where do I get the energy to endure all of the crap (not a typo) I get bombarded with at the State Capitol. In summary, these parents and their painful stories do. They are as American as Apple Pie – yet they get short changed. I will keep asking until services and resources are equal and fair for all.
They don’t come to the Capitol, don’t have lobbyist that coach them what and how to say, when to shed a tear, which legislator to give a well written information, but they are the most needy children, the most financially vulnerable families and they just get up and keep making lemonade.
They don’t have the ability to take 2nd and 3rd mortgages to help their children because they live in public housing, they don’t have cars or motorcyle to sell because they take the public transportation and they don’t get access to early intervention or ABA like the more wealthy and mostly middle class caucasian children do.
In all of the states this country has, Minnesota is the only one that helps the well off autism family with early intervention/ABA therapy while it denies families with managed care Medicaid who are low income and disproportionately minorities. This is beyond belief and must be changed now.
After this event – we were very surprised that our community particularly Confederation Somali Community of Minnesota Executive Director Dr. Fahia, Mariam Egal, Somali Parent Assoc – Director Mohamed, Anab from Univ of MN, Amira from Ramsey county, Said and Abdulrahman from Mpls School district, Farhio from farhio show and last but not least Salah Barre from Safari Banquet Hall put together an amazing event for All Somali autism parents.
They told us they stand with us, behind us and in front us united and unbreakable. They told us they understand our frustrations and despair. They gave us awards and some parents won iPads.
It was a wonderful event which we all appreciate and are very grateful to everyone who contributed to it. God Bless you All!
Thanks.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom and Minority Advocate