Melissa & Serena's Resources/Recommendations
Melissa: Recommends joining Facebook Groups for Autism Moms/Caregivers, some examples are: "Autism Parents of Nonverbal Kids", "Autism Hope Haven", "Autism Parents of the San Francisco Bay Area", "Parents & Primary Caregivers of Children with Severe/Classic Autism", "Advice and Support for Mamas of Autistic Children".
Links:
www.Hanen.org
https://www.hanen.org/Guidebooks.aspx
https://www.hanen.org/About-Us/What-We-Do/Early-Childhood-Autism-archived/How-Hanen-Helps-Parents-of-Children-with-Autism.aspx
https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info.aspx
Serena:
Recommends:
1. IHSS
2. Respite Care / Regional Center
3. Help with Diapers/Pull - Ups
IHSS: In-Home Supportive Services Program: Only available to California residents. Must work less than 35 hours per week. If you're married, depends on your situation to qualify, but please still contact and talk with a representative or social worker to see if you qualify!
IHSS Info and Links:
What is IHSS? How can it help you/your family?
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program. Disabled children may be eligible for IHSS. The program will help pay for services provided so the eligible child can remain safely in their own home. Either you get a qualified in-home care provider that gets paid to care for your child OR you/your spouse can qualify to be a provider and receive income for the extra care you provide for your child.
Links:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-services
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ihss/ihss-providers/how-to-become-an-ihss-provider
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ihss/ihss-providers/how-to-appeal-if-you-are-denied
Not Mentioned in the Podcast but also helpful source of income IF you qualify: SSI - Social Security Benefits:
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/index.html#howtoapply
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/?gclid=CjwKCAjwrpOiBhBVEiwA_473dPt1Jmq8Dfyjkq24_Yd5WcAUmHM_OFSVP5MeRmEza9QsEis572BMtxoCLCUQAvD_BwE
Respite Care Info and Links:
What is Respite? Respite is care-giving provided by individuals who are employed with a respite agency, these Respite workers are background checked, finger printed and CPR trained. Respite is provided to families with children with disabilities to provide care for the family/parent to be able to run errands, attend to important events, date nights, or for any reason to support the parent/family.
How to Find a Respite Caregiver/Agency:
This is the agency we were referred to by our Regional Center. Please contact your local Regional Center to find agencies local to your home city. If you are in San Jose or local to the South Bay Area, California. Contact San Andreas Regional Center to start the intake process, this is how you will be assigned a Social Worker to connect you with many helpful resources!
https://www.sanandreasregional.org/services/intake/
https://www.sanandreasregional.org/contact-us/
https://www.sanandreasregional.org/services/service-coordinators/
https://www.qualityrespiteandhomecareinc.com/About-Us.aspxhttps://www.qualityrespiteandhomecareinc.com/About-Us.aspx
In the state of California, the local Regional Center will authorize and pay for appropriate and necessary services for any individual assessed and diagnosed with a developmental disability. The state defines developmental disability as “intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other conditions similar to intellectual disability that require treatment similar to a person with intellectual disability.” The state will pay for services for individuals at any income level if the need for services is demonstrated. The number of hours is dependent on each particular case. Parents and other primary caregivers can also receive respite services under a self-pay arrangement, paying for services directly as needed.
https://360behavioralhealth.com/service/traditional-in-home-respite/
http://fssba.org/respite-program/
Help with Diapers / Pull - Ups:
If you are already established/connected with the regional center, ask your social worker about a referral to a diaper funding program.
If you are not yet with the Regional center, here are some other links:
https://aeroflowurology.com/our-process
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/finding-well-priced-big-kid-diaper-protection-that-fits/
https://www.lovethatmax.com/2019/11/free-diapers-kids-with-disabilities.html
https://notanautismmom.com/2018/01/19/3-autism-services/
Medicaid Health Plan Coverage
Did you know that Medicaid can cover incontinence supplies for children if they are deemed medically necessary? Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) is part of the pediatric health provision of Medicaid. EPSDT ensures that children under the age of 21, who are enrolled in Medicaid programs, receive age-appropriate screening and preventative services to discover and treat conditions as early as possible.
Part of EPSDT includes “home healthcare” which is broadly interpreted to include medical supplies and equipment needed for a Medicaid recipient to treat a diagnosed condition. This includes incontinence supplies such as diapers and pull-ons as well as some supplemental supplies such as wipes and gloves.
Part of EPSDT includes “home healthcare” which is broadly interpreted to include medical supplies and equipment needed for a Medicaid recipient to treat a diagnosed condition. This includes incontinence supplies such as diapers and pull-ons as well as some supplemental supplies such as wipes and gloves.
Other Helpful Links and Resources:
https://www.easterseals.com/support-and-education/family-support-and-resources.html
https://med.stanford.edu/espa.html
https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide
https://www.autismspeaks.org/first-concern-action?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrpOiBhBVEiwA_473dPFRhehSvP20d43FAwg9gDxwdKp-zkMS-NKzLww0lHAhOo4lrCeX2hoCO-gQAvD_BwE
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