Some info for autism newbies

[*Peanut*]

Ladies, consider applying for these:

- SSI (there is also another add on that you can do through regional center that will pay you for watching your child, or will help you pay someone to watch your child while you work)
- Medicaid (if you get SSI, Medicaid is automatic - the ss dept sends in the application for you)
- help from regional center (for co pays for treatment)
- respite care
- free diapers (through your regional center)
- handicapped parking permit

[NewbieSAHM]

Interesting you brought this up... DH has talked about the possibility of applying for SSI for DS, but I didn't believe him that it was even an option. Any tips on where to begin? I've tried to look into it but the SSI website is overwhelming and I haven't had much luck elsewhere.

[*Peanut*]

Originally Posted by NewbieSAHM Interesting you brought this up... DH has talked about the possibility of applying for SSI for DS, but I didn't believe him that it was even an option. Any tips on where to begin? I've tried to look into it but the SSI website is overwhelming and I haven't had much luck elsewhere.

Your best resource is your local regional center. They know all the ins and outs of it.

[NewbieSAHM]

Thank you - good idea. I've never thought to just go in or call!

[*Peanut*]

Originally Posted by NewbieSAHM Thank you - good idea. I've never thought to just go in or call!

How old is your LO? Usually they age out of the regional center at 3, but they make exceptions for autistic kids. We get almost all our services through regional center.

[*Peanut*]

SSI involves two parts: the SSI application and a Child Disability Report. The SSI cannot be completed over the Internet; only by phone or in person. The CDR can, however, be completed online. They recommend to speak with someone over the phone before completing the form and risking denial. Sometimes there is a callback list, so you might have to wait a bit. Hth!

[NewbieSAHM]

DS will be five in March. Perhaps we missed that boat.

[*Peanut*]

Originally Posted by NewbieSAHM DS will be five in March. Perhaps we missed that boat.

You should call and ask. lots of kids don't get diagnosed until after 3.

[Aub's]

I am a newbie with this, we have applied for SSI but what is a regional center? I feel stupid for asking but I would love to know.

[*Peanut*]

Originally Posted by Aub's I am a newbie with this, we have applied for SSI but what is a regional center? I feel stupid for asking but I would love to know.

Your local regional center is an organization that will coordinate your child's services. They also give you info on other resources in the community. Regional centers will help you receive services your health insurance and school district don't cover. Our treatment coordinator from our regional center also comes to our iep meetings to ensure we get adequate services for our DS in school. Right now our regional center is helping us get respite care, behavioral therapy, and speech therapy. You can look up your regional center via google. Basically all the help that is available to you, the regional center will help you apply for. And they sometimes pay for your copays when you can't cover them.

I need to put ll this info in the sticky, but I've been busy.