The world from diagnosis to getting the intervention a child needs can be smooth. However, most parents do not consistently have that experience. The best solution is to educate ourselves as much as possible about the process and what is available so we can be prepared when others are not. Here's a brief rundown starting with getting the diagnosis (which determines services) and who provides what.
Note regarding services providers: Much of this information is based upon how services and supports are delivered in California. All states provides services for early intervention which can be located on line. All states provide services through the school districts, departments of mental health and the departments of parks and recreation. because of it's regional center system.
Note regarding Therapy, Services and Supports: There is a "Gold Standard of Therapy/Intervention". The Gold standard for young children with Autism provides these therapies weekly: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, ABA (i.e. DTT, Teach, Pivotal Response) and Social Skills Training. SEE GOLD STANDARD FOR MORE INFO.
1. Get a diagnosis - This can be done at Autism Clinics' (UCLA, UC IRVINE, USC),
They only need to call and ask for an evaluation. To find the
I recommend getting two diagnoses and in the case of diagnoses obtained by a source other than regional center or the school district the family needs to request treatment/therapy recommendations in writing. This can help avoid any confusion and disagreement about what services the child requires.
2. Get services based upon eligibility - If the child recieves a diagnosis of Autism the next step is to get a educational/treatment plan in place. This plan will primarily be funded by the regional center and the school district. The family needs to request an IEP* meeting from their local school and IPP from their local regional center.
3. What services and placements are available and who provides what?
Speech Therapy (
Occupational Therapy (
Physical Therapy (
Social Skills (
Floortime (
RDI Therapy (
Music Therapy (
Art (
Infant Stimulation (
Recreational (
Respite (
Aids for Recreational Support (
Swimming (
Special Classroom placements with different levels of support (
Non Public Schools (NPA’s) (
Private Schools (where schools reimburse parents) (
In school behavioral support (
In school aids (
LRE (least restrictive environment teacher) to modify/adapt curriculum (
Resource Teachers (
Auditory Processing (
Note: before age 3 all services are provided by the regional center. At age three the regional centers and the school districts share the supports.
I have listed all services here that I have known to be available. This does not insure that each school or regional center will or can provide them. This is the challenge each family has to face. This is also why it is important to get a diagnosis and therapy recommendations from a professional outside of the school or regional centers when possible.
Again, these services are free to families.
4. How do I fill in the gaps?
There are times when we may be getting all that we need for our child and times when we are not. In the times when we are not we have to fill in the gaps and locate services at our expense. When it comes to recreational supports there are some national programs that all families can tie into that are low or no cost. For example:
Special Olympics
Department of Parks and Recreation
AYSO Soccer League
Scouting
I find connecting with other parents in the area to find out what they have done to be the best resource, as each community is different.
5. Can my Health Insurance Help?
Check to see if your insurance has “mental health/behavioral health” coverage. Depending on the state you live in and your insurance carrier, you can obtain Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. Because these services are covered by the “mental health/behavioral health” portion of your plan it’s important to see if you have this coverage.
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