Congratulations! You got a diagnosis! First, take a deep breath. You or your loved one who have just been diagnosed are still the same person you were before, you just know more about how your/their brain works and now you can figure out how to best support that amazing brain 🙂
If you haven’t already, check out our Programs Page. We encourage you to come engage with YOUR new community. We are excited to meet you!
Next, below are some health care programs through the state that you or your loved one may now be eligible for. For those diagnosed as adults, these may be harder to qualify for because they are based on “level of disability” but if you are interested it is worth reaching out to them.
Please Note: There are no required therapies for Autism. Some people choose to engage in ABA, OT, PT, talk therapy, music therapy, equine therapy and others but the choice of which are right for you, or your loved one, are very personal and dependent on the individual needs and goals of the Autistic person and their support system. We encourage you to do your own research and make your own decisions. If you need someone to talk it through with, give us a call or come to a support group.
What they do: DDD provides services and support for children and adults with developmental disabilities based on each person’s individual needs, state and/or federal guidelines, and when applicable, the availability of funds. Support Coordinators (aka Case Managers) facilitate and monitor services and promote access to community resources. These services can be delivered to individuals in the home or in the community which may be given directly by the State, however, most services are carried out through a large network of individual and agency contracted providers.
Keep in Mind: To be eligible for DDD, the individual to receive services must have been diagnosed with one of the four qualifying diagnoses which are Autism, Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, and Cerebral Palsy. If the individual is qualified for services before the age of 4 they are eligible for ABA, respite, and Habilitation services. Otherwise, the individual will only qualify for habilitation and respite. You can apply to DDD at any age, but the individual must have a history of early concerns.
Apply Here:
https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/determine-eligibility
Contact them by Phone: (847) 770-9500 option 1
What they do: ALTCS is the State of Arizona’s Medicaid program that provides long term care services, at little or no cost, to financially and medically eligible Arizona residents who are aged, blind, disabled, or have a developmental disability.
Keep in Mind: The DDD-ALTCS gross monthly income limit is $2,250 (effective 1/1/18) for an individual applying for services. (If you are applying for your child, this means THEIR income not yours). If your income is over the limit, you may still be able to qualify by setting up a special type of trust. If the individual is over the income limit, ask for a Special Treatment Trust Information Sheet.
How to Apply: DDD will set you up with an ALTCS evaluation to be considered for the insurance coverage. Or, start the process by calling your local ALTCS Office.
You can find your nearest ALTCS office by going online to: ALTCS: Health Insurance for Individuals Who Require Nursing Home or In-Home Care (azahcccs.gov)
What they do: AzEIP is Arizona’s statewide, interagency system of supports and services for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. If your child is eligible for the early intervention program, family members, and care provider and coordinator work as a team to support your child’s development. These outcomes are the foundation of the Individualized Family Service Plan (aka IFSP).
Keep in Mind: Your child and family may stay enrolled in AzEIP until your child turns three years old or until your child no longer needs early intervention. If your child is older than three years, you should contact your local school district for information about program and services.
How to Apply: https://des.az.gov/AzEIP/