There is one question I get asked a LOT- what are some programs out there to help cover the cost of the items my kids needs? If that many people are asking, I figure this is something worth sharing with all of you as well.

Surprisingly, there are actually a good number of organizations that can help with financial needs for families in the Austin area. Some are local, some are statewide, and some are across the country. Hopefully these may be able to help you.

First up let’s talk about a grant program available to families across the US. United Healthcare Grants will give up to $5000 for some cases. There is a lot of paperwork, and it is income based. However, that does not mean you have to be on SSI to apply. You can find more details, and apply here:
https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/

There are 3 organizations that focus on Texas families. Variety offers grants up to $5000. They have different categories that they support. You can find more details on qualifications and how to apply here:
https://www.varietytexas.org/apply/

CPATH grants up to $500 for equipment. Depending on the specific item you need $500 may be great, but it may not be enough. The good thing about this one is that it is NOT income based. Here is the link to apply:
https://cpathtexas.org/grants/

Be An Angel offers grants to help pay for respite, camp as well as some equipment needs. To apply:
https://beanangel.org/

Another grant program available is specific to the 4 points area. If you live in this area, Hill Country Special Needs Alliance may be able to help with a handful of different needs. They have been known to cover nonstandard therapy, camp, equipment, and many other medically necessary items that insurance does not cover. You can find out more about the area they cover and apply here:
http://www.hcsna.com/contact-2/

If the grant programs don’t work out, maybe you would consider used equipment. Many organizations find items that have been outgrown, no longer needed, etc and match it up to families like your own that need them and are having a hard time getting them covered:

Parker Lee Project
http://www.theparkerleeproject.org/requestform.html

Project Mend
https://www.projectmend.org/medical-equipment-reuse/

One last suggestion is to look on Facebook. There are groups where people will post ISO (in search of) and list items they need. Or FFS (Free For Shipping) and list items they don’t need and will send you if you can cover shipping. There are LOTS of these groups. The best way to find them is to search for “medical supply exchange” and you can then request to join any that come back in your search. Some are local, some are US, some are worldwide, some are specific to a diagnosis or type of equipment too.

Summer Tips to Help Reduce Bugs

I grew up in Central Texas and bugs and sunburns were just part of our summer routines each year. After becoming a mom, these became a much bigger deal. My daughter could not shoo away a bug or run inside away from it. If a fire ant found a way to her she would not be able to brush it off and scratch the awful itch. If the sun was out she could not turn her head to get away from it or blink/squint to protect her eyes. Suddenly the sun and bugs became something I stressed about each year.

One little trick that can work for any child that spends time in a playpen (little crib) outside is super simple and has been used for years (my mom used to do this when I was a baby). The cribs have fitted sheets that you can pick up at most baby supply shops. Grab an extra fitted sheet. When you are outside use the extra fitted sheet across the top of the crib. This will prevent those nasty flying bugs from getting into the crib and potentially biting or stinging your little one.

You can make your own bug spray to use as well. I love this idea. The harsh smell that comes with the store bought sprays can be enough to put a child with sensory issues into a spin. When you are making your own spray you can use essential oils that your child likes and it will help encourage them to use the spray without the melt down. Here is one recipe that you can use, but you can find LOTS more if you Google ‘DIY Bug Spray’ or search on Pinterest.

1. Put 15-30 drops of your child’s favorite essential oils into a spray bottle (if you can use oils like lemongrass, or citronella it will work even better- avoid using sweet smelling oils as they may have an attracting reaction instead of repelling).
2. Add 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol
3. Add ½ cup of witch hazel
4. Add ½ cup of water
5. Put spray cap back on bottle and shake it up

Here in Texas mosquitoes are a problem in the summer as well. Being that we haven’t had many hard freezes in a few years they seem to get worse each summer. There is a DIY trap that you can make at home. It’s pretty simple.

1. Grab a 2 liter soda bottle (empty).
2. Rinse it out really well and then cut it in half.
3. Boil about 2 cups of water with ¼ cup of brown sugar (or white sugar).
4. After the sugar dissolves let the liquid cool and then pour it into the bottom half of the bottle.
5. Add a pinch of yeast (do not stir it in, just drop it into the liquid).
6. Turn the top half of the bottle upside down and insert it into the lower half.
7. Wrap the bottle in black paper (or any dark paper or tape product you have).
8. Stick it outside and mosquitoes will get stuck in the bottle instead of bothering/stinging you.

You can watch an instructional video to see how it is done here:

One last tip, use plants to help. You can plant lavender around the house to deter scorpions. You can plant lemongrass to deter mosquitoes. When selecting any plants, talk to the people that are selling them. They can tell you if it attracts bees, wasps, etc. and they can help you find plants that fit your look without the bugs you want to stay away.

I hope these tips help you keep the bugs out and enjoy a wonderful summer with your family- don’t forget the sunscreen!

As parents we all do our best to keep our baby’s skin healthy and clean. Sometimes this can be a lot harder to do than others. If your child has ever had an EEG for example, you know how hard it is to clean up all of the glue from their scalp and hair. Sometimes we have to use really strong and sticky tape to hold lines in place, or keep kids from picking at stitches (or whatever).

Some babies get a condition called Cradle Cap. This is most common with babies, but if your child is not mobile and/or spends a lot of time in bed they may get cradle cap for many years. Sometimes kids may get this type of skin build up on hands, feet, or even their neck from time to time as well.

Whether it’s sticky goo on the skin, cradle cap, or some other hard to remove substance if you are anything like me you have tried just about everything. People recommend special soaps and shampoos, but none of these things work! There is only 1 thing I have found that does work, and it is SUPER gently on the skin. Baby oil! Yep, that’s it, that’s the big secret. This is what they use in the hospital (they call it adhesive remover). It will get EEG glue out, it clears up cradle cap, it is one of the best things to always have handy around the house. It even removes marker and pen ink from skin. No more scrubbing your poor baby’s skin red, now you can clean up their skin and no one sheds a tear.