Diagnosed with ASD over age 3 years old Roadmap Checklist
-Get a case manager: Individual funded by the state who helps family seek services and get support from the community
Need a case manager: Call Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) and specifically ask for “Referral to the Autism Division” 1-800-289-7012
Would like a new case manager: Call the South Carolina Autism Society (SCAS) and specifically request a “Freedom of Choice” form 803-750-6988
Apply to receive Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy: widely recognized therapy that has proven to be a safe and effective intervention for autism. ABA aims to increase positive behaviors, to teach new skills, and to decrease undesired behaviors.
If you have Medicaid: Apply to DHHS Medicaid ABA program for eligibility of ABA therapy. Instructions on how to apply found here.
If you have private insurance: Contact insurance company to inquire about coverage
If you want to receive ABA in school: Eligible to receive 10 hours a week of ABA therapy during school hours through IEP plan. If the IEP team determines that this service is necessary, the school district is then required to provide the ABA personnel (a privately hired ABA therapist is not allowed to push into the public school system to provide services)
Seek other therapies (if necessary): depending on your child’s own specialized needs, additional therapies are available to aid in educational and behavioral support (contact our office for a list of service providers in your area: 843-876-0415)
Speech and Language Therapists: Asses and treat difficulties in language understanding, expression and speech (articulation and fluency)
Occupational Therapists: Help individuals develop fine motor movements, process information from their senses, and carry out daily living activities (eating, dressing, grooming)
Physical Therapists: Trained to treat problems with movement and posture.
Seek educational support (if necessary): educational support can be provided through the development of an IEP program or a 504-accommodation plan
Establish an Individualized Education Program (IEP): A guiding document for a student’s educational program, includes all of the goals, objectives, and present levels of performance and related services that are recommended for the student
504 Plan: A plan for children with disabilities that accommodates their special needs that ensures academic support. This plan is not as intensive as an IEP.
Click here for more on IEP and 504 Plan
Community support: ways to connect with the community
Parent group A group that meets monthly with other parents in the local area to provide support and learn more about community resources
Family Connections A local SC support nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen families with children with disabilities through various support programs.
