JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The ripple effects of the government shutdown isn’t just being experienced in Washington; they’re reaching directly into the homes of military families in Jacksonville.

Just outside Naval Station Mayport, a clinic that serves children with special needs has had its funding suspended, leaving numerous local families in uncertainty.

At Bloom Behavioral Solutions, about 70 children rely on care and nearly all of them come from military households.

Last week, First Coast News interviewed the CEO, Genevieve Covington, regarding the funding suspension. Now we’re hearing directly from a Navy wife and mother who expressed concerns that the shutdown could threaten essential care 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 focusing on school readiness skills and receiving occupational therapy to work on fine motor skills, as well as one-on-one ABA therapy,” she explained. “Noticing those small connections in his brain starting to form, and his attempts to vocalize—even if they’re not clear yet, but through babbling and early speech sounds—is so crucial.”

However, now, these services are at risk.

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

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

“In our experience with a child on the spectrum, any time there is illness or time away from the center or school, children often regress, and that’s not something I want to see happen,” she mentioned.

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.