I’m working on a story called Autism’s Angel. It’s the story of a Spokane boy with Autism who died from an unrelated heart defect. Now, in memory of their son Isaac, Reed and Holly Lytle are helping other autistic kids get the treatment they need. In covering the story I learned insurance covers a very small portion of the recommended treatment. Doctors recommended Isaac get 30 hours a week of therapy. The Lytle’s say their insurance covered 60 hours a year. Understandably, the news sparked frustration among the parents who so desperately wanted to get their son the help he needed. Holly quit her job. The Lytle’s turned their basement into a therapy center. And before he died, doctors said Isaac was making tremendous progress because of the family’s hard work and dedication to improving Isaac’s well being.
However, not all families with autistic children can make the sacrifices that the Lytles did. That’s why they’ve started the Isaac Foundation, to help families get their kids the treatment they need. In just one year, the foundation has raised over $40 thousand and has awarded 18 therapy grants to Autistic kids. And the Lytles have done all of this while still mourning the death of their son.
You can see Autism’s Angel on KXLY 4 News at 6 next Thursday July 31st.
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Wonderful! I look forward to watching your report! Some of my students have autism, and it has really been a learning experience for our staff the past few years. This is a site that has a video that will donate money every time a person watches it. Early intervention is critical and, and you wrote, insurance covers very little of what is ideal for the children. The Lytles sound like very caring, courageous people. I look forward to finding out more about them and the Isaac Foundation.
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/264868
I liked your report very much. It’s always awe-inspiring when a family takes tragedy and turns it to bless others. When the politicians talk about their health care plans and mention catastrophic illness, they seem to forget how a disability can be catastrophic, emotionally and financially, to a family. IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is supposed to be funded at 40%, but has never reached even half of that amount. Legislators have reneged on that promise over and over again. It’s wonderful what the Lytles are doing with the Isaac Foundation in honor of their little boy, but children should not have to depend on private donations and hope to win the therapy lottery in order to be chosen to receive what they all need so desperately to learn the skills they need for their future. Thank you so much for telling us about this family and what they are doing to generously help others. I hope people who have the power to change and increase the opportunities of learning for children with disabilities, including autism, have seen this report and will be moved to act.