Trying to raise funds for an adaptive car seat for our nonverbal autistic son
Trying to raise funds for an adaptive car seat for our nonverbal autistic son
My wife and I are trying something we honestly never expected to have to do and are asking for help getting an adaptive car seat for our son, Daniel.
Daniel is six and turns seven on October 15. He has Level 3 autism, is nonverbal, and is an elopement risk. He is already around 4'6" tall and 58 pounds and continues to grow quickly.
One of the biggest issues we're facing right now is safely transporting him.
A standard booster seat and seat belt are no longer enough. Daniel can undo himself while we're driving and will try to stand up, move around the vehicle, or reach the doors. He does not understand the danger of doing this, so simply telling him that he has to stay buckled isn't enough.
His transportation needs are significant enough that his school bus has to use additional harnesses and straps to keep him safely secured. The photo of him wearing the blue harness was taken just last week and shows the type of extra support currently needed just to transport him safely on the bus.
We tried getting adaptive transportation equipment covered through his insurance, but unfortunately it was denied. The adaptive seat we're trying to get is a Thomashilfen Hercules Prime, along with the appropriate safety accessories for his needs.
The equipment costs several thousand dollars, which is more than we can afford out of pocket.
We started a GoFundMe with a goal of $4,500 to help cover the adaptive seat, necessary accessories, applicable taxes, and transaction fees.
This isn't about making car rides more convenient. Right now, we're at the point where safely taking our son to appointments, family activities, errands, or even just getting out of the house has become incredibly difficult.
**We are not asking for anyone here to donate. Just needed a place to share to get this out. So if you could please share we would be extremely grateful. **
Thank you for taking the time to read this.