We are naIve no longer. As advocates for autism insurance in Virginia, we brought companion bills to the House of Delegates and the State Senate this year—and came away with nothing for our kids. We did, however, learn a great deal about power, politics, and a process that defied accountability. We learned that veteran delegates will sign your bill and agree to co-sponsor the legislation, then pull that support, then candidly offer it back again, then actually walk away from the subcommittee meeting to avoid casting a vote on the record.

Words will never fully describe the everyday adversity and heartbreak young families face when autism envelops a son or daughter.