Every year, as Mateo's mom, I face the constant challenge of getting him the support he deserves. Mateo, my autistic son, relies on IHSS services, and navigating his re-evaluation process is no small feat. I recently sought a disability placard to make our day-to-day life easier, only to be denied by healthcare professionals who don’t seem to understand the needs of children with autism. This isn’t just my story—many families experience similar obstacles when trying to access essential resources.

I took the necessary documents to Mateo’s doctor, showed them videos of us managing daily tasks like transporting him safely, and explained the observations from our regional center. Despite this, the decision was ultimately made not by the doctor who understood our situation, but by an office manager who deemed Mateo "not disabled enough." This points to a larger issue: the lack of autism-specific training for those making critical healthcare decisions.

Healthcare decision-makers without autism training cannot fully comprehend the unique challenges faced by families like ours. It's vital that these professionals are equipped with the right knowledge to make informed decisions. This training can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that those with autism receive the support they're entitled to, based on their actual needs—not just a checklist that doesn’t take their daily realities into account.

By requiring autism training for healthcare providers involved in disability-related decisions, we can create a more understanding and supportive healthcare environment. It’s time that healthcare decisions reflect the nuanced realities of autism and provide the resources these children deserve.

Join me in advocating for mandated autism training for healthcare decision-makers. Your signature can help ensure that families like mine aren’t met with unnecessary roadblocks in getting the care they need. Sign the petition to help make a change.