My name is Kristin Crabb, and I am the mother of 13 year old Eli. Eli has been diagnosed with autism, amongst other things, for ten years. The overwhelming belief amongst professionals and parents is that early intervention is key. 

We were able to start ABA therapy when he was 5.   Eli has continued to require varying levels of support through ABA services for the last 7 years. ABA has been a critical component of his care as he has reached a variety of developmental milestones.

 It has been brought to my attention that there is a proposal to reduce ABA hours to 30 per week and a maximum of 3 years per Medicaid requirement. This would remove Eli’s ability to continue to receive the specialized care he needs.   

While (hopefully) many parents are reaching out with stories and input of the success and necessity of ABA services past and present, I would like to discuss the future of children like my Eli. If this motion passes, Eli will no longer be able to attend ABA therapy. At that point, the only other option would be public school. We have not participated in public school for several years because it has already been established that his needs and behaviors are greater than what the school is able to handle. 

My question is this: what happens to Eli and the hundreds of kids like him?   We are currently one year into the process of attempting residential services for Eli, knowing that residential care will give him the best chance to be the best version of himself. As far as I am aware, there are only two residential facilities in the state of Indiana for our children. If ABA is diminished for these children, many families like ours will be forced to look into residential care. Our state does not have the facilities for such a decision. If it has taken us over a year and we are still waiting, what will happen when there is a mass influx of cases seeking this care because of a reduction in ABA services?   

I ask that you consider the future of our children when making these decisions. Eliminated cost does not eliminate the problem. Even if you vote to reduce ABA funding, these children, our children, will still exist. They will still have autism. They will still not be able to be helped by public education. 

I implore you to take this into consideration as you discuss options regarding the future of ABA.   We love our children with our whole hearts. Please see them and their value, and serve them well.  

Sincerely,  

Kristin Crabb, as well as the signed