Re: Now what?

[Guest guest]

, I know that it hard to receive the diagnosis. I have two children on the spectrum. They are my world. They are both amazing children. The best advice that I can give you is early intervention is key. Make sure that he gets every therapy(speech, OT, PT) that medicaid pays. Therapy works!!!! Good luck and keep us posted... We are to listen to you.MarlyTo: "sList " <sList >Sent: Fri, December 7, 2012 11:22:56 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning, Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next.

He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that

I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he

goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity

too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis

came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Although we suspect our child may have autism, hearing it from a doctor makes it so very real and we experience a number of unexpected emotions. Having your son diagnosed so early gives you the opportunity to take advantage of early intervention services.

I can't provide any insights on Florida Kidscar or Medicaid, I do recommend the following course of action:

1) Call Child Find at Child Find with put you in touch with Early Steps which provides early intervention services for children in Florida up to the age of 36 months. They provide a comprehensive assessment to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. He may qualify for early intervention services (Speech, OT and ABA) and they value your privacy and your child’s privacy. Also, the early intervention services can be provided at daycare or at home and there is no cost to you.

2) Autism Speaks: The First 100 Days KitThis is a free resource for parents from Autism Speaks. It’s a valuable guide for parents on how to get through the first 100 days of the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit.php

Take care,

Gillian

To: "sList " <sList > Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 9:57 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning,

Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next. He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes

in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Although we suspect our child may have autism, hearing it from a doctor makes it so very real and we experience a number of unexpected emotions. Having your son diagnosed so early gives you the opportunity to take advantage of early intervention services.

I can't provide any insights on Florida Kidscar or Medicaid, I do recommend the following course of action:

1) Call Child Find at Child Find with put you in touch with Early Steps which provides early intervention services for children in Florida up to the age of 36 months. They provide a comprehensive assessment to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. He may qualify for early intervention services (Speech, OT and ABA) and they value your privacy and your child’s privacy. Also, the early intervention services can be provided at daycare or at home and there is no cost to you.

2) Autism Speaks: The First 100 Days KitThis is a free resource for parents from Autism Speaks. It’s a valuable guide for parents on how to get through the first 100 days of the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit.php

Take care,

Gillian

To: "sList " <sList > Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 9:57 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning,

Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next. He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes

in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Although we suspect our child may have autism, hearing it from a doctor makes it so very real and we experience a number of unexpected emotions. Having your son diagnosed so early gives you the opportunity to take advantage of early intervention services.

I can't provide any insights on Florida Kidscar or Medicaid, I do recommend the following course of action:

1) Call Child Find at Child Find with put you in touch with Early Steps which provides early intervention services for children in Florida up to the age of 36 months. They provide a comprehensive assessment to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. He may qualify for early intervention services (Speech, OT and ABA) and they value your privacy and your child’s privacy. Also, the early intervention services can be provided at daycare or at home and there is no cost to you.

2) Autism Speaks: The First 100 Days KitThis is a free resource for parents from Autism Speaks. It’s a valuable guide for parents on how to get through the first 100 days of the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit.php

Take care,

Gillian

To: "sList " <sList > Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 9:57 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning,

Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next. He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes

in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

I have CMS T21 and I didn't have to take any paper to medicaid, I knew that I wanted Kabot, so I called the Behavioral Health number on the back and they called with his approval code.

Hello ,

Although we suspect our child may have autism, hearing it from a doctor makes it so very real and we experience a number of unexpected emotions. Having your son diagnosed so early gives you the opportunity to take advantage of early intervention services.

I can't provide any insights on Florida Kidscar or Medicaid, I do recommend the following course of action:

1) Call Child Find at Child Find with put you in touch with Early Steps which provides early intervention services for children in Florida up to the age of 36 months. They provide a comprehensive assessment to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. He may qualify for early intervention services (Speech, OT and ABA) and they value your privacy and your child’s privacy. Also, the early intervention services can be provided at daycare or at home and there is no cost to you.

2) Autism Speaks: The First 100 Days KitThis is a free resource for parents from Autism Speaks. It’s a valuable guide for parents on how to get through the first 100 days of the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit.php

Take care,

Gillian

To: "sList " <sList > Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 9:57 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning,

Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next. He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

I have CMS T21 and I didn't have to take any paper to medicaid, I knew that I wanted Kabot, so I called the Behavioral Health number on the back and they called with his approval code.

Hello ,

Although we suspect our child may have autism, hearing it from a doctor makes it so very real and we experience a number of unexpected emotions. Having your son diagnosed so early gives you the opportunity to take advantage of early intervention services.

I can't provide any insights on Florida Kidscar or Medicaid, I do recommend the following course of action:

1) Call Child Find at Child Find with put you in touch with Early Steps which provides early intervention services for children in Florida up to the age of 36 months. They provide a comprehensive assessment to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. He may qualify for early intervention services (Speech, OT and ABA) and they value your privacy and your child’s privacy. Also, the early intervention services can be provided at daycare or at home and there is no cost to you.

2) Autism Speaks: The First 100 Days KitThis is a free resource for parents from Autism Speaks. It’s a valuable guide for parents on how to get through the first 100 days of the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit.php

Take care,

Gillian

To: "sList " <sList > Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 9:57 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning,

Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next. He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

I have CMS T21 and I didn't have to take any paper to medicaid, I knew that I wanted Kabot, so I called the Behavioral Health number on the back and they called with his approval code.

Hello ,

Although we suspect our child may have autism, hearing it from a doctor makes it so very real and we experience a number of unexpected emotions. Having your son diagnosed so early gives you the opportunity to take advantage of early intervention services.

I can't provide any insights on Florida Kidscar or Medicaid, I do recommend the following course of action:

1) Call Child Find at Child Find with put you in touch with Early Steps which provides early intervention services for children in Florida up to the age of 36 months. They provide a comprehensive assessment to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. He may qualify for early intervention services (Speech, OT and ABA) and they value your privacy and your child’s privacy. Also, the early intervention services can be provided at daycare or at home and there is no cost to you.

2) Autism Speaks: The First 100 Days KitThis is a free resource for parents from Autism Speaks. It’s a valuable guide for parents on how to get through the first 100 days of the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/100_day_kit.php

Take care,

Gillian

To: "sList " <sList > Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 9:57 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning,

Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next. He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

Yes, but I would like to add to Marly's advice (that nobody told me) was what really made the difference was the times per a week. If you get speech, OT or PT make sure to do them 3 times a week. I started my son off on speech once a weekfor 6 months, then twice a week for another 6 months and then when I upped the sessions to max three times a week the gains were incredible. I lost a year because I want not aggressive enough don't make my mistake. Sincerely, From: Marly Armelo

To: sList Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 12:54 PM Subject: Re: Now what?

, I know that it hard to receive the diagnosis. I have two children on the spectrum. They are my world. They are both amazing children. The best advice that I can give you is early intervention is key. Make sure that he gets every therapy(speech, OT, PT) that medicaid pays. Therapy works!!!! Good luck and keep us posted... We are to listen to you.MarlyTo: "sList " <sList >Sent: Fri, December 7, 2012 11:22:56 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning, Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next.

He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that

I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he

goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity

too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis

came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

Yes, but I would like to add to Marly's advice (that nobody told me) was what really made the difference was the times per a week. If you get speech, OT or PT make sure to do them 3 times a week. I started my son off on speech once a weekfor 6 months, then twice a week for another 6 months and then when I upped the sessions to max three times a week the gains were incredible. I lost a year because I want not aggressive enough don't make my mistake. Sincerely, From: Marly Armelo

To: sList Sent: Friday, December 7, 2012 12:54 PM Subject: Re: Now what?

, I know that it hard to receive the diagnosis. I have two children on the spectrum. They are my world. They are both amazing children. The best advice that I can give you is early intervention is key. Make sure that he gets every therapy(speech, OT, PT) that medicaid pays. Therapy works!!!! Good luck and keep us posted... We are to listen to you.MarlyTo: "sList " <sList >Sent: Fri, December 7, 2012 11:22:56 AMSubject: Now what?

Good morning, Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next.

He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that

I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he

goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity

too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis

came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!

[Guest guest]

The first step is definitely finding a good ABA provider. There are many more ABA providers now then there were when my son was diagnosed but just know that they are not all created equal. We have had great success with Behavior Analysis Inc both the Davie office and the Miami office and I have heard wonderful things about Reversco Learning in Pompano Beach. We have to do home base therapy because we live in Key Largo and going to a center is not an option. We spent this past summer in Davie and Zander got his therapy at a center for the entire summer and it was a wonderful experience for him as they could provide meaningful social/pragmatic social skills therapy into his daily activities. If I had the option to do center based therapy I would definitely go that route as social skills are super important and our kids have to be taught how to interact with others.

We chose to treat our son's autism bio-medically and have had wonderful success (although it is not a silver bullet). If you decide that you would like to pursue this option you will have to find a good DAN Dr. We use Dr. Dan Rossignol in Melbourne and have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. There are others, and we have tried several, but for us, Dr. Rossignol is the answer. You will need to do some research into the DAN protocol and see if it makes sense for your child and your family. www.tacanow.org/ is a great place to start.

The most important advise I can give you is there is hope for recovery (not cure), and our children can live meaningful lives with the proper support and a whole bunch of determination on your part. It takes a comprehensive approach and there is no time to waste. Get online and research all of your options (you will spend countless hours googling and that never ends). Be flexible and open minded, ask lots of questions (the parents on this listserve are very knowledgable), and know you and your child's rights (start preparing for school even though you have a year or so before your child is eligible). If you ever need any help or have questions feel free to contact me off list. I have tried everything (just about) and I can tell you what has worked for us and what hasn't.

Our journey is hard but rewarding and our children are gifts from God (although sometimes you will question that). I feel like I was chosen to do this job because God knew I was going to be such an awesome mom. He knew that not just anybody could raise my child that it would take a person who was strong, compassionate, patient, and fierce. I am all these things but did not realize I posessed those qualities until my special needs child moved in and took over (we lovingly call him the round mound of sound)! Keep yourself healthy because your child needs you to be strong, and live to fight another day. I am currently pursuing immortality as I feel I will need to live at least two lifetimes to be here for my child. I will let you know how that is working for me LOL!

Now what?

Good morning,

Yesterday my 22 month old had his consultation with the neurologist and he was diagnosed with autism, as I thought he would be. I’m not sure what to do next.

He has Florida Kidscare and I was able to get him approved for CMS(T21) last month, it starts Jan. 1. The office gave me a paper that says “request for Medicaid State Plan Coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis for a Child Under Age 21†and it says that

I have to take this paper to the local Medicaid office and it also has a list of ABA providers attached to it. So my question is, what is the process? Do I really need to take all of this paperwork into Medicaid? And if I do, then what? Do I pick where he

goes for his ABA? Also is ABA done in my home or at a facility? Is this list attached my only options? Of course, I want the best for my son- can anyone recommend someplace that specializes in young toddlers that accepts CMS? He needs lots of physical activity

too, or he will never focus (he has SPD) Do they incorporate that in too? Also, do I stay there with him for therapy? And if not, who changes his diaper, makes sure he eats, ect??Sorry for all the questions. I really thought I was prepared for when the diagnosis

came through, but I guess I wasn’t as much as I thought I was!