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| Copyright © 2008 J2Tyco Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Arizona Autism Support is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization Tax ID # 20-5978189 |
| Getting Started For Those With a New Diagnosis or New to Arizona |
First and foremost, we know how you feel. We've been there before. Join our online support group and other parents can help
you and your child go through this trying time. We understand and we can guide you. Autism is a scary diagnosis. You're
probably feeling lost, full of grief, hopeless, and confused. While we can't take your pain away, we can certainly let you know
you're not alone and guide you in the right direction. The old airline motto of "secure your own face mask, before worrying about
your child's" is often said to parents of newly diagnosed children, because it is so poignant. It's important to sit back and
remember that your child is still the SAME child they were 5 minutes before you heard the words "they have autism." you are just
now more equipped with a road mad "so to speak" of your child (that road map being; ok, we know what it is, now what do we do)
Where do I turn in Arizona for Help?
A brief explanation of how it works in AZ:
Ages 0-3 years old:
Your Child's Delays (no diagnosis required) may qualify them for services with the Arizona Early Intervention Program ages 0-3
years old The Arizona Early Intervention Program, also known as AzEIP (pronounced Ay-zip), is a statewide system of supports
and services for families of children, birth to three, with disabilities or developmental delays. Early Intervention is professionals
working in partnership with parents and families of children with special needs, to support their children’s growth, development,
and learning. Services may include Speech therapy, Occupational Theapy and Physical Therapy.
Ages 3 to 6 years old
Your child's diagnosis (includes diagnosis of "at risk")helps qualify them for services from the State's Division of Developemental
Disabilities (DDD) from, ages 3-6 years old. While DDD is supposed to fund all individuals that fit their criteria for ages 3-6, the
fundingis just not there, so while your child may fit all criteria to get services, they may not get them just due to lack of funding.
Read more about eligibility and make a referal to DDD here
DDD directs all applicants to also apply with the Arizona Long Term Care System so that federal dollars can pay for the services
theyneed. The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) program is for blind, or disabled individuals (or those over 65 years
old) who need ongoing services at a nursing facility level of care.
However, program participants do not have to reside in a nursing home.
Many ALTCS participants live in their own homes or an assisted living facility and receive needed in-home services. ALTCS
participants are also covered for medical care, including doctor's office visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, lab work, and
behavioral health services. This medical coverage is provided by Arizona’s Medicaid program AHCCCS
At age 6 and above your child will need an official AUTISM diagnosis to continue receiving state and federally paid for
services.
You will want to begin all paper work processes as soon as you can, as with any governmental agency there is lots of red tape.
Unfortunately our children cant afford that red tape as all research indicates that the sooner intervention occurs the better the
chances of your child leading a normal life will be. Just remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so squeak away! More
about the ALTCs process here
The next best advice we can give, at Arizona Autism Support, is to talk to other parents. Arizona Autism Support is the perfect
place to do just that. We link you to other parents in the state, free of charge. We don't believe parents should have to pay for
information. Most
importantly be an informed parent! Join our growing online community
If you are up for it there are several good books to read please visit our Books Section for detailed recommendations from other parents.
There is No Cure
(many will even argue we don't truly want to cure autism)
but we can assist our loved ones to be successful and independent in life
You will want to try to narrow down the type of therapies you feel will best suit your child, this can range from one on one
behavioral therapies to dietary interventions and drug approaches. Read more about Interventions Here
you and your child go through this trying time. We understand and we can guide you. Autism is a scary diagnosis. You're
probably feeling lost, full of grief, hopeless, and confused. While we can't take your pain away, we can certainly let you know
you're not alone and guide you in the right direction. The old airline motto of "secure your own face mask, before worrying about
your child's" is often said to parents of newly diagnosed children, because it is so poignant. It's important to sit back and
remember that your child is still the SAME child they were 5 minutes before you heard the words "they have autism." you are just
now more equipped with a road mad "so to speak" of your child (that road map being; ok, we know what it is, now what do we do)
Where do I turn in Arizona for Help?
A brief explanation of how it works in AZ:
Ages 0-3 years old:
Your Child's Delays (no diagnosis required) may qualify them for services with the Arizona Early Intervention Program ages 0-3
years old The Arizona Early Intervention Program, also known as AzEIP (pronounced Ay-zip), is a statewide system of supports
and services for families of children, birth to three, with disabilities or developmental delays. Early Intervention is professionals
working in partnership with parents and families of children with special needs, to support their children’s growth, development,
and learning. Services may include Speech therapy, Occupational Theapy and Physical Therapy.
Ages 3 to 6 years old
Your child's diagnosis (includes diagnosis of "at risk")helps qualify them for services from the State's Division of Developemental
Disabilities (DDD) from, ages 3-6 years old. While DDD is supposed to fund all individuals that fit their criteria for ages 3-6, the
fundingis just not there, so while your child may fit all criteria to get services, they may not get them just due to lack of funding.
Read more about eligibility and make a referal to DDD here
DDD directs all applicants to also apply with the Arizona Long Term Care System so that federal dollars can pay for the services
theyneed. The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) program is for blind, or disabled individuals (or those over 65 years
old) who need ongoing services at a nursing facility level of care.
However, program participants do not have to reside in a nursing home.
Many ALTCS participants live in their own homes or an assisted living facility and receive needed in-home services. ALTCS
participants are also covered for medical care, including doctor's office visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, lab work, and
behavioral health services. This medical coverage is provided by Arizona’s Medicaid program AHCCCS
At age 6 and above your child will need an official AUTISM diagnosis to continue receiving state and federally paid for
services.
You will want to begin all paper work processes as soon as you can, as with any governmental agency there is lots of red tape.
Unfortunately our children cant afford that red tape as all research indicates that the sooner intervention occurs the better the
chances of your child leading a normal life will be. Just remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so squeak away! More
about the ALTCs process here
The next best advice we can give, at Arizona Autism Support, is to talk to other parents. Arizona Autism Support is the perfect
place to do just that. We link you to other parents in the state, free of charge. We don't believe parents should have to pay for
information. Most
importantly be an informed parent! Join our growing online community
If you are up for it there are several good books to read please visit our Books Section for detailed recommendations from other parents.
There is No Cure
(many will even argue we don't truly want to cure autism)
but we can assist our loved ones to be successful and independent in life
You will want to try to narrow down the type of therapies you feel will best suit your child, this can range from one on one
behavioral therapies to dietary interventions and drug approaches. Read more about Interventions Here
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