So it begins!

Therapy for Payton today was difficult to watch and broke my heart. Thankfully the specialist reminded me that it is normal to feel that way. I was beginning to think I was loosing it.  She basically forced Payton to do what she wanted her to do. Lots of crying happened and sadness but I know it is for her benefit and she will grow because of it. She said, "Between you and me, I know your daughter is on the spectrum." She is not an actual doctor so she can't really give the diagnosis but she was nice and trying to prepare me for Mondays appointment. She did say as of now, she is on the mild side so that is hopeful and we want to keep it this way and in order for her to progress she needs 5-6 hours of intensive ABA therapy a day. 5-6 hours a day. It is still sinking in. That is one persons opinion and we will get another opinion on Monday. But my attitude is the more the better especially if we can see a difference. As we all know it comes with a cost! :)  Tricare only covers $36,000 a year which is about 9 hours a week. She needs 5-6 hours a day... That is 1,100 dollars a week over what is alotted which is coming from our pocket. I am preparing myself for a battle with them. I have read some success stories so I am hopeful on at least getting additional coverage so it isn't such a huge difference.

 Right now, she is doing Early Steps with the State of Florida and they can do up to 4 hours a week so that swallows some up. We will do whatever we have to do for her and if she needs 5-6 hours a day we will make it happen! She is such a sweet girl and it will be tough to make her work harder for things but it is for her benefit. The whole family must be on board including Daddy who literally treats her like a real live Princess on a daily basis. We have an appointment to look at a school for her called Brilliant Minds which is about 20 miles away. They were highly recommended and will do their own evaluation next Friday and we can move on from there. Thank you again for all of your words and stories! I hope this helps others to understand and spread awareness!