This conversation got its start a few months ago when Nazhah Khawaja and I first met. Her mother is an immigrant, originally from Pakistan. Nazhah shared the challenges her mother faced getting medical help. Anyone who knows me, or has been listening/watching for any length of time, knows I have a self-stated overinflated sense of justice. This set me off.  

Right then and there I told Nazhah I wanted to talk about the challenges faced by families who may not understand the language and/or come from a culture where you don't challenge authority. It's hard enough for families who have lived in the US their entire lives to get services. How much harder must it be if you don't feel like you can ask for help or advocate for yourself or your child?  

If you'd like to learn more about Nazhah or look into Early Autism Services, please use the links below.   

Nazhah's book, "The Other Side of Life" - https://amzn.to/3I5h4ir 

Early Autism Services  

Website: https://earlyautismservices.com/

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: @AutismTherapyServices   

I recognize there are many Americans who feel this way. They leave IEP meetings wishing they had said more, or they don't get the treatment they need because they don't want to be a "bother". Creating an environment in which everyone is treated as a human being, not a number or an inconvenience in your day will go a long way to helping everyone.   

I believe immigrants from certain parts of the world face additional challenges. In some cases, there is overt hostility. I don't believe anyone comes to the US to get on our social safety nets like SSI and Medicaid. They come here looking for a better life. This is especially true for those whose children have intellectual/developmental disabilities. The US is ahead of many countries when it comes to treatment and opportunities.

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