My son, Kash, is a bright, loving child who happens to have profound autism and is nonverbal. For him, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is not just an optional treatment—it is a lifeline. It's the tool through which he learns to communicate, to stay safe, and to function in his daily life. Without this therapy, Kash faces a high risk of regression, which means losing critical communication, learning, and safety skills that he has worked so hard to acquire.

Indiana has proposed Medicaid cuts that will greatly reduce access to ABA therapy for children like Kash, who desperately need it. These cuts will not only impact our family but thousands of others in our state who rely on Medicaid to access these essential services. ABA therapy is widely recognized by medical professionals as an effective means of helping children with autism to reach their fullest potential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early intervention therapies such as ABA significantly improve the development of a child with autism.

The proposed Medicaid cuts threaten to devastate families by depriving them of the resources necessary for their children's growth and future. It is crucial to understand that ABA therapy is not a luxury; it is a medically necessary intervention approved by numerous health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Families should not be forced to choose between financial stability and their children's critical healthcare needs. We call on the Indiana state government to reconsider these Medicaid cuts and to prioritize the health and well-being of our children.

Please join us in advocating for the children of Indiana who need our support by signing this petition. Help us protect access to the essential services that enable children with autism, like my son, Kash, to lead enriched, safe, and fulfilling lives.