The following story is based on an interview with Ryhlee’s grandmother, Gina, of Augusta, GA, and has been edited for clarity and length.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to honor the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges of children and families living with autism. For Gina Gonzalez of Augusta, Georgia, the journey of caring for her granddaughter Rhylee has been filled with heartbreak, resilience, and the determination to make sure a little girl with complex needs always has the support she deserves.
At just seven years old, Rhylee has already faced more than most children will in a lifetime.
In June 2022, Rhylee lost her mother. Gina, who became her guardian, suddenly found herself navigating not only the grief of losing her daughter but also the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a child with significant medical and developmental needs.
“Rhylee was 17 at the time of her mama’s passing,” Gina shared. “Rhylee was 2, and she had a lot going on in her short life already.”
Rhylee has been diagnosed with autism and a rare genetic condition known as 4q syndrome. She also lives with partial agenesis of the corpus callosum, has a history of brain hemorrhage, and faces intellectual and developmental delays. She receives occupational, physical, and speech therapy every week.
Despite those challenges, Gina describes Rhylee the same way any loving grandmother would.
“She loves everyone and everything, especially her little farm animals,” Gina said.
Navigating Autism, Special Needs, and Everyday Care
As many families know, caring for a child with autism or other special needs often comes with unexpected costs. For Gina, one of the biggest struggles was simply affording the pull-ups and incontinence supplies Rhylee needed every month.
Before finding UroStat Healthcare, Gina was spending around $200 each month ordering supplies online.
“It was costing us about $200 a month, and we were struggling,” she said.
The financial pressure was especially difficult while Gina was still adjusting to becoming Rhylee’s guardian and trying to make sure she had everything she needed.
Because of Rhylee’s medical and developmental needs, she requires pediatric pull-ups, pee pads, and wipes every month. Like many children with autism and developmental delays, potty training has been an ongoing challenge.
“She’s not potty trained and I can’t thank your company enough for supplying her pampers,” Gina said.
Finding Relief Through UroStat Healthcare
When Gina learned about UroStat Healthcare through Rhylee’s behavioral specialist, everything began to change.
Today, Rhylee receives monthly shipments of pull-ups, pee pads, and wipes through UroStat. Instead of worrying about how to afford those necessities, Gina can focus on what matters most: helping Rhylee grow, learn, and thrive.
“It’s helped so much,” Gina said. “Now that $200 helps us get things she needs. A huge help.”
For families raising a child with autism, every dollar matters. Autism therapies, doctor appointments, adaptive equipment, transportation, and everyday household needs can quickly add up. Having access to covered medical supplies can ease part of that burden.
Looking Ahead
Rhylee is preparing for another big transition. Although she currently attends school, Gina says she will soon need to continue learning from home because of her medical and educational needs.
“She’s in first grade in special education,” Gina explained. “She can read, she can’t spell, she can only write her name.”
Even with the uncertainty ahead, Gina remains focused on giving Rhylee the best life possible.
“She’s our world,” Gina said. “When her mama passed, we knew we would do everything we can for this little one, regardless what it takes.”
A Message to Other Families During Autism Acceptance Month
During Autism Acceptance Month, Gina hopes other parents and caregivers know they do not have to figure everything out alone.
“Love the service,” she said. “They text monthly to reorder, or if there’s any changes to the order. They ship out right away.”
For families who are unsure whether to reach out for help, Gina has simple advice: ask.
There are organizations, specialists, and medical supply providers who want to help families caring for children with autism and other special needs. Finding support may not remove every challenge, but it can make the journey a little lighter.
“Service is perfect,” Gina said.
Need Help Getting Pediatric Incontinence Supplies?
If your child has autism, developmental delays, or another qualifying diagnosis and needs pull-ups, briefs, wipes, or other medical supplies, UroStat Healthcare may be able to help.
This Autism Acceptance Month, families like Gina and Rhylee remind us that support matters, community matters, and every child deserves care with dignity.