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The holiday season has crept up on me. Every year, I resolve to simplify it because I know that Thanksgiving and all the December events are about the time we spend together, not about the trappings. But I struggle (and, usually, keep doing what I've always done). After all, how can we survive without at least eight varieties of cookies, my mother-in-law's peanut brittle and a variety of thoughtfully chosen gifts? I know that all of those things are about MY needs and expectations and are not the result of any requirements. As with everything, I have to give myself grace when I fail to reach the goal of a simple December.
December is never simple and expecting to make it that way is absurd!
Setting reasonable goals and expectations is one way to remove stress from our lives. When my son Kieran was in elementary school, we had an ABA provider who became a member of the family. It distressed her that Kieran sat at the foot of the table for meals – in the spot traditionally reserved for the mother. She often told me that I should make him move. I was just happy that he came to the table and ate something. In my mind, we had reached a goal. In hers, we had made a mistake in how we reached it.
For many years, Kieran did not open his gifts on Christmas morning. He sat and watched everyone else open theirs and left his intact for a few days. It drove his siblings crazy! They couldn't understand how he could wait to see what was inside. It is sometimes hard to understand that not everyone experiences events in the same way and that those differences are okay. Our expectations can prevent us from enjoying the here and now – in this case, that Kieran was sitting in the living room with us, not alone rewatching a video. We miss the pleasure of the “inchstones” while looking for the milestones.
For many years, I have used this graphic to show how we can reach our goals. Not all of these figures wins the race, but they all get to the finish line!
In the next few weeks, I am hoping that you find the joy in reaching (or watching your loved one reach) one tiny goal! Happy holidays!
| Kathi J. Machle, President | | |
One of the endeavors that ASO has supported through grants in 2024 and 2025 is the Ohio Autism Insurance Coalition. Marla Root shared the following information about an important piece of legislation introduced by the Ohio Autism Insurance Coalition:
The Ohio Autism Insurance Coalition has introduced HB 453, which removes unnecessary barriers, creates a clearer and more stable insurance environment, and strengthens the autism therapy workforce—all without compromising quality or safety within insurance-funded ABA.
HB 453 modernizes Ohio’s employer-based insurance and Medicaid framework for autism treatment by:
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Clarifying and strengthening insurance coverage for evidence-based autism services, including using the clinically developed generally accepted standards of care for ABA therapy (applied behavior analysis therapy) for treating ASD and removing age, hours, and visit caps on ABA, speech and occupational therapies.
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Ensuring fair and predictable reimbursement so more providers can’t cover the cost of delivery services and participate in insurance networks, reducing waitlist time for families.
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Creating a pathway for 'exam-eligible' technicians, helping address severe workforce shortages while maintaining strong supervision and safety to reduce long waitlist to care.
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Requiring Medicaid to publish its 2024 independent auditors established ABA reimbursement rates, increasing transparency and stability for providers who want to serve Medicaid families.
Please encourage your district’s Ohio House Representative to support HB 453 and help move it forward. Ohio families really need this. Starting on November 26th, you can learn how you can connect with your legislators, along with talking points and sample letters at Help@ASDOHIO.com.
Families on a Meridian Medicaid managed care plan need to confirm their ABA provider will be a part of the provider network in 2026.
Families receiving ABA therapy through Meridian managed care plan need to confirm that their current ABA provider will be a part of the approved network past March 2026. Meridian announced they are severely narrowing their ABA provider network leaving some families near Van Wert, Ohio and other cities, without an ABA provider within 30 miles. Families impacted may want to consider moving to another managed care plan that their current provider is in network with.
Families on health insurance through a Marketplace ACA Health Plan will see a drastic increase in premiums and a reduction of tax credits or subsidies.
Almost 600,000 Ohioans got health insurance through the Marketplace ACA (Obamacare) in 2025. With the tax credit expiring at the end of 2025, 100,000 Ohioans are expected to no longer purchase insurance coverage in 2026. Here is a quick video to help you understand the expected changes to insurance premiums. Watch the 5m video.
| ASO recently sent additional sensory items, shot blockers and information to support Autism friendly health care to the Carroll County Board of Health. They plan to train practitioners at five locations in simple ways to prevent or reduce healthcare stress for those with developmental disabilities. | | |
Families with children on an IEP (Individualized Education Program) can apply now for free tutoring during the spring semester of Learning Aid Ohio.
Learning Aid provides grant funding so that families can access one-to-one, in-person educational support for students. The spring semester runs from January 10 to May 8, 2026.
Learning Aid grants are open to students who are Ohio residents, on an IEP, and live in families whose household income is less than 400 percent of the federal poverty level.
Get details and apply here!
| ASO grants can help bring Autism friendly programming and events to your neighborhood! For more information, visit our website. | | |
The Autism Society relies upon the tremendous work of our local organizations to help individuals and families throughout Ohio. If you don’t see your county listed below, please contact the Autism Society of Ohio so we can connect you with support and services in your area. For more information, call 614-495-7551 or via email at info@autismohio.org
For information about events and support groups sponsored by other local Autism Society Affiliates, click HERE. The page identifies counties covered by a local affiliate and provides contact information.
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Autism Society of Central Ohio will offer three Autism-friendly Santa experiences. There are still spots available for their Zoom with Santa on Tuesday, December 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM.
Join Marion Palace Theatre for a Sensory-Friendly Performance of Christmas Memories Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Admission is FREE for the first 25 patrons ($13/person after) thanks to Storad Label Co. Free Popcorn & Drinks for the first 25 patrons thanks to ASCO!
| | Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley is hosting Special Santa, sponsored by the Cafaro Foundation. If your Autistic child finds the hustle and bustle of Santa photo sessions too overwhelming, this event is intended to provide a more comfortable experience. The event will be December 7 from 9 to 11 AM at Eastwood Mall. Pre-registration is required for entry. Cost is: $10 per family (this includes one 5×7 photo per family or $10 off your photo package and event craft stations). | | Give the gift of ASO merch this holiday season! Find your new favorite hat, t-shirt, and more on our website! | | |
Looking for a fun and impactful way to support those with Autism in your community or throughout the state? Consider hosting a third-party fundraising event! Whether you're an individual, business, or organization, there's something for everyone to get involved in. These events raise vital funds, spread awareness, promote inclusivity, and can significantly impact families living with Autism.
Let's make a difference together!
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Examples of third-party events:
- Sip and paint
- Car washes, craft shows, or bake sales
- Casual Fridays and holiday parties
- Grand openings and store promotions
- Art shows/art auctions
- Bike-a-thon, walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon
- Golf tournaments
- Black-tie events
- 5k races and marathons
| | STATE AND NATIONAL ADVOCACY | | |
Support HB 359: Joshua Alert System
House Bill 359, “The Joshua Alert System”, has passed the Ohio House and will now be assigned to a committee in the Senate. In 2022 and 2023, ASO worked with Senator Tim Schaffer to add missing children and adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities to Ohio's Silver Alert system. The new bill would add provisions to the Ohio Revised Code to require more immediate reporting to the system if the missing person has limited communication. Please contact your state senator and ask them to support this bill. It is our hope that it will save lives!
Autism Society of America continues to monitor what is happening in Washington, including changes in the Department of Education. For information and help in making your voice heard, visit votervoice.net.
Contact your state legislators to express your opinion of these changes.
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Autism and Vaccines - CDC Changes Website Messaging
On November 19, 2025, the Center for Disease Control changed its website to equivocate on whether or not vaccines cause Autism. The Autism Society of America is deeply concerned by language suggesting that the established scientific consensus on vaccines and Autism is uncertain. The public relies on accurate, evidence-based information from CDC and other government websites, and messaging that implies uncertainty about vaccines and Autism only leads to confusion and mistrust.
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For updates on national legislation, you can subscribe to The Capitol Connection.
ASO has continued its advocacy statewide. Please reach out to us with comments or concerns. Your voice is important.
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