In 2024, our son Lincoln was diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum. His first primary care physician ignored our concerns and requests for referrals. At three years old, Lincoln was already too old for the early intervention program. As parents, we found ourselves navigating a world that was unknown and frightening to us. We don't want any other parent to experience this feeling, especially not in the United States, a country with ample resources, some of which are instead spent on proxy wars in Ukraine, unfortunately. Look, if this is about money, think of what you could save taxpayers by approving items such as this rather than repeated visits to ER’s for falls, wondering off,etc… Sad that money comes before our own people!

Safety beds, commonly referred to as "cubby" beds, offer protective, comfortable spaces for kids on the spectrum. These beds are specially designed to prevent injuries during sleep, provide calm and secure environments, and support children’s overall development and sleep hygiene.

However, in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) categorizes these essential, life-changing beds as luxury items rather than medically necessary equipment. This classification means that many insurance programs will not cover the cost of these expensive but crucial beds, leaving countless families unable to afford them.

We refuse to accept this. We are calling on Texas DSHS to reclassify safety beds as a medical necessity. By doing so, we can ensure that children like Lincoln have access to the supportive environment they need for sound sleep and overall health.

We want each and every child to grow up in a thriving family and healthy community. State leaders had an opportunity to focus the 2023 legislative session and the state’s $33 billion budget surplus on moving Texas closer to achieving that vision.

Unfortunately, in many ways, the Legislature fell short. Lawmakers did not address the scale of the child care crisis facing our state. Although Texas has the nation’s worst uninsured rates for kids and adults, with high rates among Texans of all backgrounds, lawmakers did not pass Medicaid expansion or legislation aimed at improving health coverage for kids. As schools face acute shortages of teachers and other resource challenges, state leaders failed to provide the education funding needed to cover inflation and enrollment growth. Legislators also missed the opportunity to provide much-needed direct funding to school districts to support student mental health. Texans calling on the Legislature to reduce gun violence after the Uvalde school massacre were sorely disappointed by the lack of results this session, too.

Getting sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for individuals with autism. Sleep plays a vital role in their overall well-being and development [1]. Understanding the impact of sleep on autism and the challenges that individuals with autism face in getting proper sleep is essential for providing appropriate support and care.

Impact of Sleep on Autism
Sleep disturbances can significantly affect individuals with autism, impacting their daily functioning, behavior, and overall quality of life. Many individuals on the autism spectrum struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. These sleep difficulties can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent night waking, early morning waking, or irregular sleep patterns.

Lack of adequate sleep can lead to several challenges for individuals with autism. Sleep disturbances may contribute to behavioral problems, decreased cognitive function, irritability, hyperactivity, and difficulties with attention and learning [3]. Additionally, sleep-related issues can impact the overall well-being of both the individual with autism and the caregiver.

Challenges with Sleep in Autism
Children with autism often face specific challenges when it comes to sleep. It is estimated that sleep patterns are negatively impacted in 40-80% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some common sleep difficulties experienced by children with autism include:

These sleep challenges can have a significant impact on daytime functioning, behavior, and overall well-being. They can contribute to increased anxiety, hyperactivity, decreased attention, and compromised cognitive abilities.

Understanding the importance of sleep for individuals with autism and the specific challenges they face is crucial for developing strategies and interventions to improve their sleep quality and overall quality of life. Safety beds designed specifically for individuals with autism can help address some of these challenges, ensuring a safe and secure sleep environment that promotes restful sleep.

Introduction to Safety Beds for Autism
For individuals on the autism spectrum, sleep can often present unique challenges. Safety beds for autism have emerged as a solution to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals during sleep. These specially designed beds have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Purpose of Safety Beds
Safety beds for autism are specifically designed to provide a secure sleeping environment that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. The primary purpose of these beds is to create a safe space that helps reduce the risk of wandering or nighttime challenges. By offering a secure sleeping environment, safety beds aim to provide peace of mind to caregivers, knowing that their loved ones are protected during sleep.

While these and other disappointments are a big part of the story from this session, they are far from the whole story.

In the 2023 session, we saw legislators, advocates, and other Texans come together, roll up their sleeves, and pass proposals that will profoundly improve the lives of children throughout the state. We are overjoyed that after three legislative sessions, and after countless Texans pitched in, the Legislature voted overwhelmingly to allow moms to keep using their Medicaid health insurance for a full 12 months after their pregnancy. The new policy will support healthy moms and babies, reduce maternal mortality, and address health disparities. Although it wasn’t in the headlines, the Legislature also took positive steps forward to support kids in foster care and to strengthen services aimed at keeping kids safely with their families and out of foster care. For example, SB 1930 will ensure that youth in foster care spend more time in loving homes with caring families instead of impersonal facilities with a high risk of abuse. Lawmakers also answered the call to provide a meaningful increase in Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) , (which our incompetent NP waived off, we reported to Texas Board of Nursing- Nothing) funding so infants and toddlers with disabilities can learn to walk, communicate with their families, or reach other milestones.

Join us in urging Texas DSHS to reconsider their position on safety beds. With your signature, we can make a change and thereby support thousands of families like ours, who are simply seeking to create a safer, more supportive environment for their child. Please sign the petition today, it costs Nothing.