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| Copyright © 2008 J2Tyco Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Arizona Autism Support is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization Tax ID # 20-5978189 |
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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 funding
is 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.
DDD directs all applicants to also apply with the Arizona Long Term Care System so that federal dollars can pay for the services they
need. 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!
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.
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. Information on many of these can be found in our Resources Section
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 funding
is 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.
DDD directs all applicants to also apply with the Arizona Long Term Care System so that federal dollars can pay for the services they
need. 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!
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.
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. Information on many of these can be found in our Resources Section
| Newly DX'ed or new to Arizona |