FORT SMITH, Ark. — April is Autism Awareness Month, and one local parent wants more action for those diagnosed, including the adjustment of a program that many consider the best solution.
Justin Harper’s son, Jonah, was 4 when he was diagnosed with level 3 autism, also known as severe autism. Harper was informed that aggressive therapy could potentially help Jonah work towards a level 2, however, this therapy must be conducted at home and provided by an autism waiver program. Harper said there is a six-month waiting list for that program, which he was not informed about.
“It looks like my son is not going to make the cut for the autism waiver program, and that’s because we’re on a six-month waiting list, and my son turns 5 next month,” Harper said. “By the time they look at his application, he will already be disqualified because he’s already five years old.”…