Early Intervention is critical to young children on the spectrum.
Always express any developmental concerns you may have with your child's pediatrician. Ask about professionals who are comfortable and capable of evaluating an individual for autism spectrum disorder. This should not be done in a quick office visit. Provide information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is. Ask questions, no matter how ridiculous you think it sounds.
You are your child's best advocate and sometimes a diagnosis can mean the difference between
appropriate services and NO services.
You are your child's best advocate and sometimes a diagnosis can mean the difference between
appropriate services and NO services.
EarlySteps is Louisiana's early intervention program for children between 0-3 years old. The button above will take you to the EarlySteps main website. They provide various services such as: speech therapy, occupational therapy, social work, assistive technology, audiology and others, if eligible. To find your regional coordinator click here.
If your child is in school and over the age of three, without a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), contact your child's teacher for a referral service.
If you need further guidance on how to get an educational evaluation, please contact us at (985) 370-2300.
For a list of other early intervention resources click here.
If your child is in school and over the age of three, without a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), contact your child's teacher for a referral service.
If you need further guidance on how to get an educational evaluation, please contact us at (985) 370-2300.
For a list of other early intervention resources click here.
If your child is just receiving a diagnosis, and you live in Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa or Washington parish, contact Florida Parishes Human Services Authority (FPHSA) immediately using the button above.
Once your child is assessed for services, if determined eligible, you will be able to access services including a spot on the waiver registry.
FPHSA is the single point of entry for
Children's Choice Waiver,
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW),
Residential Options Waiver (ROW),
Supports Waiver, and more.
Don't delay, call today: (985)543-4730
Once your child is assessed for services, if determined eligible, you will be able to access services including a spot on the waiver registry.
FPHSA is the single point of entry for
Children's Choice Waiver,
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW),
Residential Options Waiver (ROW),
Supports Waiver, and more.
Don't delay, call today: (985)543-4730
The Family Opportunity Act (FOA) provides Medicaid health coverage as a secondary insurance to children who have disabilities as well as private insurance. Click the button above to access the FOA website.
To be eligible, the family household income must be too much to qualify for regular Medicaid or LaCHIP
To be eligible, the family household income must be too much to qualify for regular Medicaid or LaCHIP
The Act 421 Children's Medicaid Option (Act 421-CMO), also known as TEFRA, allows certain children younger than 19 years old who have a disability to receive Medicaid coverage, even if their parents earn over the income to qualify for Medicaid. For more information on TEFRA, click the button above.
For a simple diagram of the application process for TEFRA, click here.
For a simple diagram of the application process for TEFRA, click here.
Some Reminders:
Don't forget about Social Security, especially for those who are 18 and older. Once your child becomes an adult, their income and resources are taken into account to determine eligibility for programs based on financial information.
Be sure to have any resources or money for your loved one placed in a Special Needs Trust or ABLE account so it does not affect their eligibility. You will want an experienced attorney to create your trust, although not all attornies specialize in this topic. Be sure to shop around and ask for references before choosing your attorney.
