We Have a Diagnosis, Now What?
Depending on the age of your child you should seek early intervention as soon as possible. Any intervention plan should focus on the individual needs of your child. Every individual with autism is unique and should be assessed and treated as such. What works for one child may not work for another.
EarlySteps services children 0-3 with a developmental delay or medical condition that could result in a developmental delay. They also offer an autism screening tool which will indicate any red flags or suggest whether or not to follow up with your pediatrician. If eligible for services, they will also connect you with other resources that will assist you as your child ages.
If your child is over the age of three and 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. You want to have your child assessed for services, and if determined eligible you will be able to access services including being placed 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
You may also want to apply for the Family Opportunity Act (FOA) - provides Medicaid health coverage as a secondary insurance to children who have disabilities as well as private insurance. An additional eligibility requirement is that the family household income is too much to qualify for regular Medicaid or LaCHIP.
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. Be sure to get an experienced attorney to create your trust, usually listed under estate planning; however, not all of them have experience in special needs trusts.
Newly Diagnosed? Click here
EarlySteps services children 0-3 with a developmental delay or medical condition that could result in a developmental delay. They also offer an autism screening tool which will indicate any red flags or suggest whether or not to follow up with your pediatrician. If eligible for services, they will also connect you with other resources that will assist you as your child ages.
If your child is over the age of three and 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. You want to have your child assessed for services, and if determined eligible you will be able to access services including being placed 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
You may also want to apply for the Family Opportunity Act (FOA) - provides Medicaid health coverage as a secondary insurance to children who have disabilities as well as private insurance. An additional eligibility requirement is that the family household income is too much to qualify for regular Medicaid or LaCHIP.
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. Be sure to get an experienced attorney to create your trust, usually listed under estate planning; however, not all of them have experience in special needs trusts.
Newly Diagnosed? Click here
