3/5/2018. Advocating for Services in Early Childhood

Transcription

1 Presenter: Zoe Migel, MS, LCSW April 12, 2018 Advocating for Services in Early Childhood Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 20 years experience working with children who have autism and their families. Bright Futures (2005) Autism Consulting Business Family Support Parent Support Groups Customized Presentations W W W. BRIGHTFUTU RESASD.COM

2 PREVALENCE OF AUTISM SPECTRUM 1:68 Three Keys to Positive Outcomes Early Identification Autism Diagnosis Accessing Autism Specific Services ADVOCACY Identify Concern Rule in/out Autism Identify Individual Needs Identify Services Know Legal Protections Know when to get help 2

3 IDENTIFY CONCERNS Be vigilant in noting early behavioral markers. Listen to parents (your) concerns and ask about early communication, social and play skills. Initiate referrals for intervention, even when ultimate diagnosis is uncertain. AUTISM DSM V DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Difficulties in social communication and social interactions Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in functioning Not better explained by intellectual disability or global delay. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Five Behaviors Require Further Evaluation Does not babble or coo by 12 months Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months Does not say single words by 16 months Does not say two-word phrases by 24 months Has loss of any language or social skill at any age 3

4 Parent Reports of Early Signs Many recall problems dating back to first year Most are concerned by age 2 Getting an Autism Diagnosis Why is it so HARD? Resources, Information and Coordination AUTISM SPECIFIC SERVICES 4

5 EDUCATIONAL VS. MEDICAL Educational versus medical diagnosis? Who is responsible? Criteria to qualify for services? What services are provided? MEDICAL SERVICES Home, Community and Clinic Settings 0-18 years old ABA, SLP, OT, PT, BH Commercial Insurance Medicaid Self-Funded WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO QUALIFY? Medical services require a medical diagnosis and prescription and/or Individualized Service Plan (ISP) that states medical necessity. Call insurance provider and request a care coordinator. Get an evaluation that provides a diagnosis that ensures access to services. Contact autism specific providers. 5

6 LEGAL PROTECTIONS Protections of Affordable Care Act New Mexico Medicaid Program (Centennial Care) New Mexico State Autism Mandate ADEQUATE NETWORK OF CARE Qualified Reasonable Distance Timely In Native Language Access to Out-of-Network Providers EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Part C - Early Intervention Part B - Public School 6

7 REFERRAL Early Intervention (0-3) Phone # Department of Health Free Home or Center Based Refer to Local Early Intervention Agency Public Schools (3-21) Phone # Public Education Dept. Free School Based Refer to Public Schools EI PROGRAMS 0-3 years old May or May Not Have Diagnosis 25% Delay Service Coordination Individual Therapies Support through Diagnostic Process Little to No Expertise ABA? Collaborate with Early Head Start Programs WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO QUALIFY? Anyone Can Refer & It s FREE! Ages 0-3 years Old Provides Early Intervention (EI) Services to Children with or at Risk for a Developmental Delay 7

8 Identify Individual Needs and Services Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3 years old through graduation or age 21 Need to qualify for services 1 of 13 exceptionalities Need for specialized services Related Services Specialized Instruction WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO QUALIFY? Evaluation Determine Eligibility Create an Individual Education Program/Plan (IEP) 8

9 Identify Individual Needs and Services Individual Education Program/Plan (IEP) LEGAL PROTECTIONS The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA) Federal Law Early Intervention 0-3 Public School 3-21 Years Old Individualized No Cost Appropriate NOT Best Trumps State Law 9

10 HELPFUL TIPS Be nice and make it personal. Stay on it. Assume that it is your job to educate. If information doesn t make sense assume you are right and ask clarifying questions. If that doesn t work ask for a supervisor. If issues are not getting resolved file a written complaint and go to the next level. HELPFUL RESOURCES WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, GET HELP! Educational Mediated/Facilitated IEP Due Process Hearing Laymen Advocate File a Formal Complaint Lawyer Medical Medical Review File an Appeal 10

11 Q & A REFERENCES AND RESOURCES Local & Statewide Bright Futures: Autism and Early Intervention NM Human Services Department NM Public Education Department webnew.ped.state.nm.us Family Infant Toddler Program Center for Development and Disability Parents Reaching Out EPICS National Autism Speaks Wrights Law D 11