JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The effects of the government shutdown extend far beyond the political arena, impacting military families in Jacksonville directly.

Near Naval Station Mayport, a specialized clinic for children with unique needs announced its funding has been halted, leaving many local families uncertain about the future.

Bloom Behavioral Solutions caters to about 70 children, with nearly all hailing from military backgrounds.

Last week, First Coast News interviewed Genevieve Covington, the CEO, regarding the funding suspension. Now, we hear from a Navy spouse and mother expressing concerns that the shutdown might disrupt essential services for her son.

“Grayson is a very fun loving, happy little boy, very affectionate with his family,”

Mia Schwenk’s 4-year-old son Grayson has autism and since her family moved to Jacksonville earlier this year.

Bloom Behavioral Solutions, a clinic serving children with special needs, has become a lifeline.

“It was just immediately a wonderful connection,” said Schwenk, “It just felt like the right place for us.”

Grayson attends their intensive early intervention program from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m..

“During that time, he’s working on school readiness skills. He’s receiving occupational therapy, working on fine motor skills, and also receiving ABA with a one-on-one provider,” she said. “Just seeing all those little wires in his brain are starting to connect and he’s starting to try to vocalize words they’re not clear words yet, but making babbling noises and making early speech sounds is so paramount.”

However, now, these services are at risk.

Last week, the clinic’s CEO sent a letter to the 70 families they serve, informing them that the government shutdown is directly impacting them and funding for autism services under TRICARE, the military’s health insurance, has been frozen.

“It just kind of like my heart sank, you know, my heart sank for the community, families, other kiddos,” said Schwenk.

“When you have a child on the spectrum in our experience, whenever we are sick or we have time off from the center or even school kids typically can regress and that’s something I don’t want to happen,” she said.

Schwenk said Bloom has become part of Grayson’s daily rhythm and a safe place where he’s learning and growing. 

“He doesn’t cry at drop off anymore,” she said, “He runs into the therapist’s arms. He pulls the door open to go in.”

As the shutdown continues, the Schwenks and other families are left hoping for answers and fighting for the care their children need.

“I don’t want to take away from those building blocks that they’ve worked so hard to create.”

Mia Schwenk and Bloom Behavioral Solutions are encouraging families to contact their lawmakers to push for support of TRICARE autism services during the shutdown.