4 Resources New Autism Parents
May Not Know About
FREE DIAPERS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR - YES PLEASE!
That’s right friends! Your family can receive pediatric diapers through Medi-Cal. Check out the instructional guide provided.
SOME STATES COVER
Diapers or Pull-Ups
Wipes
Changing Gloves
Underpads
Disposable Wipes
Barrier Creams
2. GET PAID TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEURODIVERGENT CHILD
Image sourced from IHSS website
Caring for a child with autism and working can be challenging. With In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), this program can provide financial assistance to parents/caregivers or allow you to hire a caregiver. If your child requires constant supervision and needs support with feeding, bathing, dressing, and accompaniment to medical appointments, IHSS Protective Supervision is a wonderful resource.
3. Handicapped Parking Placard
Parking can be difficult on occasion. If your child tends to elope, wander off or lacks safety awareness in the community, having a parking pass can be incredibly beneficial across all environments.
Each state provides an application, accessible online, for parking placards.
4. OTHER MEDICAL PRODUCTS
AAC Devices, Assistant Devices + Supportive Products
IMAGE SOURCED FROM THE CUBBY BEDS WEBSITE
This item is covered by Medicaid + Insurance.
Features: Sleep + sensory canopy, padded walls + safety sheets, app-enabled camera, mic, + environmental sensors calming circadian light, soothing speaker, and peace of mind.
AAC COMMUNICATION DEVICE
There are several avenues for obtaining an AAC device for communication.
Public School - Speech Therapist
Begin by emailing out to your child's school speech therapist for assistive technology support to be evaluated and added to your child’s IEP.
If you require assistance with setting up and learning how to effectively support your child using the device, you can schedule a consultation hour with me. I will take care of programming it and provide training on its use to aid your child's communication.
Medi-Cal Insurance (Secondary)
If you cannot obtain an iPad from the school or if you prefer to have an additional device at home (in case the primary device is left at school or misplaced), it's essential to have alternative options. Losing out on communication opportunities could potentially lead to an increase in behavioral challenges.
Th Goally device is covered by insurance and allows the child’s entire care team to collaborate on daily goals.
PRIVATE INSURANCE TIP
If you have both private insurance and Medi-Cal, it is imperative to initiate the application process with your private insurance first and await a denial before pursuing Medi-Cal coverage. Medi-Cal typically serves as the last resort for funding.
However, if Medi-Cal is your primary insurance, you may only need to provide the necessity letters from your Medi-Cal-contracted speech and primary care physicians. Your Medi-Cal caseworker will guide you through the application process.