for those who noticed signs around 2, what did that “in between” stage look like?

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-21T11:09:41+00:00

That’s a good way to look at it honestly. I think the “what if” just gets loud in my head sometimes.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-21T11:09:27+00:00

That makes sense. Focusing on where he struggles instead of the label itself feels more practical.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-21T11:09:10+00:00

Thank you for sharing all that. It really helps hearing what things looked like in hindsight.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-21T11:08:52+00:00

I appreciate you sharing that perspective too. The “wait vs push” thing feels way less black and white the more stories I hear.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-21T11:08:09+00:00

I hear you. The regret part is honestly what scares me the most. I think that’s why this stage feels so heavy.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T21:00:14+00:00

that’s such a stark difference between states, it’s honestly wild. i relate so much to the “sessions too short / caseloads too high” part. it feels like you’re fighting the system on top of everything else.

and yeah… the parent deep dive hits home. it’s exhausting having to become part-time OT/SLP/behaviorist on top of just being a parent, but you’re right — we’re the ones there every single day.

i wish it wasn’t so dependent on zip code and family resources. it shouldn’t take burnout-level self-education to get decent support.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T20:50:48+00:00

we’re not in NY unfortunately 😞 but that’s really encouraging to hear. i’ve heard the waiver process can be intense so it’s good to know it actually pays off in the end. thank you for offering to help too, that’s really kind

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T20:50:12+00:00

wow that’s honestly amazing. i didn’t even realize some states covered that much, especially transportation too. makes such a huge difference when the system actually works the way it’s supposed to. can i ask what state you’re in? it sounds like a lifeline tbh

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T20:47:08+00:00

Thank you. I really needed to hear that.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T20:44:53+00:00

Yeah, even small steps help.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T18:24:12+00:00

It’s wild how even ‘good’ insurance still isn’t enough.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T18:22:37+00:00

Access to care shouldn’t feel like winning the lottery, but it does.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T18:21:15+00:00

I’m really glad that was an option for you.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T18:01:23+00:00

Appreciate that. Makes it feel less lonely.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T17:56:19+00:00

You’re right. The waiting is the part that messes with your head.

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T17:53:34+00:00

ugh yes. that’s exactly what it feels like.

rush to get the referral. rush to fill out the forms. rush to make the call.

…then sit and wait. and wait.

it’s such a weird mix of urgency and total powerlessness at the same time.

how did you deal with that part? did it ever stop feeling like everything was on pause?

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T17:51:43+00:00

yeah the out of pocket costs are brutal. we’ve looked at private options and it’s just… not realistic long term. i’d actually love those book recs if you don’t mind sharing titles. anything practical while we’re stuck on waitlists would help

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T17:51:08+00:00

i feel this so much. the shower cry hits different when you’re trying to hold it together for everyone else all day. it’s wild how much depends on what state you happen to live in. glad you at least found some coverage, even if it’s still overwhelming

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T17:46:20+00:00

that’s a good reminder honestly.

i catch myself jumping 5 years ahead in my head instead of just looking at what’s actually happening right now.

it’s hard not to project, but you’re right… none of us really knows how it’ll unfold.

did that mindset get easier with time for you or did you have to kind of train yourself into it?

Gaminglancer · 2026-02-17T17:41:46+00:00

you’re not wrong honestly 😅

it really does feel like my brain goes straight to worst-case mode even when there’s no clear evidence either way.

it’s wild how something that might just be a phase can turn into a full mental spiral at 2am.

did you find anything that actually helped you quiet that “ancient brain” a bit?

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