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Participant recounts months‑long waits, insurance gaps and transportation barriers to early intervention
Summary
A PIE participant introduced as Christina described delayed referrals, provider shortages, out‑of‑pocket costs and transportation hurdles that she says impede timely early intervention services for her 5‑year‑old on the autism spectrum.
Christina, introduced by the PI E host, told attendees that navigating early intervention services had become nearly a full‑time job for her family. "Getting help should not feel like a full time job," Christina said, recounting that referrals sometimes take months, expire before appointments are available, and that wait lists, paperwork and provider shortages delay care.
She said essential services — therapy, evaluations and behavioral support — often carry costs families cannot afford and that insurance "doesn't cover enough or anything at all sometimes." Christina also described transportation as a barrier: appointments far from home during work hours and the risk of losing services after missing appointments.
"When we support children with disabilities, we support entire families," she added, urging more providers, faster referrals, affordable services and better school funding and training.
