Autistic enterocolitis

January 29, 2006

My son, now age 32, has had bowel problems since he was little. He was finally

diagnosed with a nonfunctional megacolon, which means nothing as far as a

diagnosis.. The GI specialists in San have no idea about such issues

and very reluctantly see my son. He has a completely nonfunctioning colon and I

obtained some equipment called the PIE Machine that clears his upper and lower

bowel somewhat and at least keeps him relative cleaned out bowel-wise. The

Medicaid Waiver program he is in has a nurse coming in twice a week to do the

bowel cleaning treatments. The site to check out this equipment is

My son who has autism has used this equipment for ten years and through the

medical equipment supplier has just gotten a new machine. Medicare won't pay for

it (I am retired and a widow so he has Medicare), our private insurance that

paid for it before won't even consider it and Medicaid never has been willing to

cover it. This is assistive technology. Without it he will need an operation

and a bag for emptying on his side, not a good idea for a cognitive disabled

individual with a history of messing with stool in the past. The PIE machine

has been a Godsend but now I can't get this assistive technology to be paid for.

However, the insurances are glad to pay for a tremendously expensively

operation. Are they willing to pay for his funeral too?

Anyone have any ideas? Yes, I contacted Wakefield in Austin. Seems they are

allied with a children's clinic and hospital and don't see adults. This is

another concern of mine. Doctors unwilling to see adults. But maybe eventually

they will work with them...I hope. Just need help now.

If any of you would like to help me do some thinking about adults with autism

issues then I have just created a group. adultsadvocacyautism care with

group e mail of adultadvocacyautismcare Please join me.

I like this EO Harm group that I just joined too. Lots of good information.

Thanks!

Martha Moyer, TEXAS

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