New Beginnings, Familiar
Challenges: Our Journey After Relocation
Surprisingly, the adjustment wasn’t as difficult as I expected. Karson is
becoming increasingly resilient with each military move as he grows older.
Watching him adapt so bravely brings me so much pride.
But if I’m completely honest, this move hit me hard.
The Emotional Weight of Change
Relocation brings about countless factors and decisions that aren’t
always easy. In total transparency, I’ve felt defeated over the past few
months.
Between waiting on therapy referrals, losing my job as a federal employee
due to the current administration, job searching, and managing everyday life, I
was mentally drained. My exhaustion led me to pause everything, including my
advocacy through Karson Kares.
Most days, I sat in silence thinking of all the things I should be doing
for our brand, but I just couldn’t pull myself to move. I felt like I was
drowning in my own thoughts.
The Referral Rollercoaster
Dealing with the referral process after transferring into a new Tricare
region has been a true test of patience.
Once I finally got both Karlyn and Karson assigned to in-network primary
care managers (PCMs), I thought the hardest part was over. The referral went
through, and I started to breathe again.
Then came the curveball: I was told the PCM needed to complete a DSM-5
for Karson before therapy could begin.
“Okay,” I thought, “that should be simple.”
I sent over the form; confident it would be done quickly.
Instead, it turned into three months of waiting.
I sent multiple emails, made phone calls, and grew more frustrated each day.
Meanwhile, Karson’s behavior began to regress. He had been out of ABA
therapy since July, and the waiting was taking a toll.
Taking Matters into My Own Hands
After weeks of complaining and worrying, I decided to act.
I drove straight to the doctor’s office to ask in person why the form
still hadn’t been completed. My frustration was written all over my face, and
that’s when things finally started to move.
The PCM wasn’t in that day, but one of his colleagues came out to speak
with me. At first, she said she couldn’t complete the form because Karson
wasn’t her patient.
I calmly explained that I had already submitted all supporting documents,
and as his mom, I could answer any question she had. I just needed her to sign
the form so Karson could get the care he needed.
She took me to the back, and the form was done in five minutes.
A Message to Fellow Parents
Please, don’t sit back and allow healthcare professionals to dismiss your
child’s needs.
Speak up. Ask questions. Push back.
You are your child’s voice when systems fail them.
I know it’s exhausting. I know it feels unfair. But it’s worth it.
Advocacy isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am as a mother. My husband
and I are committed to ensuring our children receive the best care possible, no
matter how many doors we have to knock on.
And I want to challenge you to do the same.
We’re in this together. đź’›
Call to Action
If you’re a parent navigating similar struggles with your insurance, referrals,
or therapy transitions, I’d love to hear from you. Share your story or tips in
the comments below so we can support one another.
Follow @aplus.karsonkares on Instagram and Autism+KarsonKares on Facebook for more real stories,
resources, and advocacy tools for families like ours.
Together, we can make the process a little easier for the next parent
walking this road.
#KarsonKares #AutismAwareness #MilitaryFamily #ParentAdvocate
#SpecialNeedsParenting #TricareJourney #MomBlog #AutismCommunity #MilitaryLife
#ParentSupport #ResilientKids #TherapyJourney #AutismAcceptance #FamilyFirst
#WeInThisTogether
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