MARQUETTE -- The Facebook Story of the Day was about therapy for children with autism.
Without insurance, intensive outpatient therapy could easily cost $2,000 a month. With the exception of Medicaid, many insurance companies don't even cover the autism therapy.
While the cost is rising, so are the number of children diagnosed with autism in the Upper Peninsula. Fortunately, U.P. families do have some options, especially if they begin nipping autism in the bud with early intervention.
If you live in Marquette or Alger County, MARESA has specialists who observe children in the classroom.
"We help them transition into the school district and then help in supporting the school," said Barb Nelson of MARESA. "If a school is having a particular difficulty, they're not sure what to do, they usually call in me as a consultant for students with autism, and I'll come in and make recommendations as to what I feel will help support the child."
MARESA prepares schools for autistic children by teaching them to use visual supports, and they prepare children for school by working with them individually.
There's also a U.P. Autism support blog that lists programs available throughout the U.P., including private therapists and support groups.
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