ASD Information & Links

Benefits of Support Groups

• Networking with parents – Meeting other families that understand what you’re going through and can help guide you. Also, I believe it can be therapeutic to share your story and help others.
• Tried and True – Just google and you’ll know what I mean. There are a lot of different therapies and strategies out there and you can literally drive yourself crazy trying to find what going to work.
• Experience – The age range of our group is between 2 & 10, the School districts is up to high school age. So there is a lot of experience and advice.
• Acceptance & Realization – Not just parents feeling accepted and understood but accepting the diagnosis, and realizing that there is life, hope and a lot of laughter after diagnosis.
• We love our group – whatever type of group you chose it will always benefit you to reach out and talk and learn. I have made some really great friendships through the group and I remember how terrifying it was when we we’re just starting out.

County Services

One of the first things I ask about when I meet a new family inquiring about the group is if they have or even know about the county services available. These are services available for disabled children. I know I first thought that we wouldn’t be eligible or just not for us and we would be quite able to manage it all ourselves. Then we had six therapy visits between the 2 boys a week @ 30% co-insurance every time, and someone mentioned listening therapy and headphones for $150, a deep pressure vest, weighted blankets, etc.. I then realized these services are for your child not you so don’t feel bad asking for help.

• TEFRA/MA – this is similar to MA however it only covers your disabled child/ren. You will have to pay a monthly parental fee which is based on your income.
• PCA/CSG/Waivers – You will meet with a county nurse that will assess your child’s needs and will assign a rating. You may choose to have a personal care attendant, someone that will come into your home and assist you in the care of your child. CSG/consumer support grant is a program where you will receive a monthly support amount for expenses to care for your child. All expenses must be approved by your social worker and are only for the health and safety of your disabled children.

Please contact your specific county to find what services are offered and if your child may be eligible.

County Services

• Services not covered by your insurance provider or TEFRA/MA (therapist, diet, therapy supplies)
• Safety devices (Alarm system, bars for windows, door locks, tracking devices)
• Mebership (Arc, Pacer, Zoo, Science Museum, Water parks)
• Parent Education (Seminars, books, magazines)
• Community Activities (
• Income (cover cost of parental fee must be included as income on taxes)
• Therapies
• Respite (over night breaks)
• In-home support

DD Intake

Additional Therapies & Community Enrichment
• Music Therapy
• Horseback riding
• Gymnastics
• Sports
• Swimming
• Cub Scouts
• Summer Camps
• Church Groups

You will want to make sure that all programs will be able to provide support for child’s needs. You may also want to enquire if you can participate as an aide or shadow your child. If there not willing then this program isn’t for you.

The ASD Stories links.