Alabaster for Autism

Resource Page

THERE ARE NO SET WAYS TO BEGIN OR CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD. HOWEVER, YOU HAVE ONE GOAL; TO GET SERVICES THAT AS A D.C. RESIDENT, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO UNDER OUR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS…& ON TIME.

Obtaining a diagnosis:

If you and your Primary care doctor have decided that you may need to look into an evaluation to rule out and/or diagnose a disorder in your child, have a consultation with Early Intervention | OSSE to begin the process for children under age 3.

Children’s National Medical Center – has a wonderful developmental clinic (Program is run by Dr. Penny Glass & Dr. Tara Brennan) for children under the age of 3 as well, and they are linked to the
Early Intervention Program

(The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, along with the District of Columbia Public Law 1-2-119 mandate that infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families receive coordinated services early enough to make a difference.) in the District of Columbia.

If your child is older than 3 years old…

You can be served at the DC Public School System’s EARLY STAGES, this program has an office in Walker Jones Education Campus in Northwest. (Early Stages is a DC Public Schools diagnostic center for children between the ages of 2 years 8 months and 5 years 10 months. We help identify any delays that your child may have and we arrange services to address them.)

Once you have a diagnosis:

Now is the time to apply for SSI and Health Insurance.

SSI – Supplemental Security Income (Click on this link to read more about what SSI is and how to apply for it.)

HSCSN – Health Services for Children with Special Needs is insurance for children with special needs who receive benefits from the Department of Social Services. You are only eligible once you have been approved to receive SSI. This is a great resource for parents; the policy comes with a service agent who can give you information about many free offerings around town. This is a person who will come to your home or school and do a home visit. They can also assist you with finding an advocate if needed.

Here is the link to the video they have on YouTube: http://youtu.be/uD9nrCOs548

Now What??

You are on the right path to helping your child get the best education and to improving the quality of life.

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL LINKS THAT WILL KEEP YOU ABREAST OF NEW INFORMATION.

Autism Speaks – Autism Speaks is a foundation that has kept up with the political side to special needs and healthcare. They also have a downloadable 100 day kit that is very useful for those who are newcomers to ASD. Check them out!
DCAP (DC Autism Parents) - DCAP is a non-profit organization with support groups for parents all over the area. They sponsor local events and play dates, very helpful.
DC Parents Yahoo Group – for the yahoo users who desire online support including a Yahoo summer camp guide.
2012 DC Autism Resource Guide – Update should be coming soon. A downloadable PDF document available online that is definitely more extensive than this page for those seeking more info!
DC Autism Resources Page – is a page compilation of resources for Washington, DC, including state listings.
Children’s National Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) - Children’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) provides evaluation and treatment services for children with atypical or complicated developmental disorders.
DC Public Schools Special Education – Link to the Autism and other special needs page on DC government website.
Kennedy Krieger Institute – Kennedy Krieger School
St. Coletta of Greater Washington – Public charter school for special needs students in the District.

These are a few of the resources that I found helpful in the beginning of my son’s journey. I must make a point, that this is YOUR child’s well being and it your responsibility to make it happen. So I encourage you to be forward…don’t wait for call backs, or follow ups, you do your research, make the appointments, ask questions and go get your answers. That’s all a part of it, and you WILL be able to succeed. Good Luck!

To reach me by email: Hamilton.christina@ymail.com

The Life of Honey

Alabaster for Autism~