where we began: ryan’s story

The National Autism Law Center will defend the rights of millions of individuals with autism, and their families across the United States.

But it started with just one: Ryan.

Like many other children with autism, Ryan struggled extensively in his earlier life. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was a life-changing treatment for him, but accessing ABA was extremely difficult.

Insurance companies insisted this vital treatment was an educational matter, not a medical one.

His parents, Dan and Lorri Unumb, sold their home to cover costs and both continued to work, devoting an entire salary to ensure Ryan continued to receive the care that he needed.

An All Too Common Story

Speaking to other families, they heard firsthand of the hardships and heartaches of parents who would never be able to get the care their children desperately needed. Children requiring intensive therapy were often at best able to obtain an hour or two of assistance a week despite their parents’ sacrifices.

The system was simply failing these families and it quickly became clear to both Dan and Lorri that something had to change.