Frequentley Asked Questions:
What are some of the signs to look for should you think your child may be Autistic?
Some signs to watch out for are:
-inappropriate lauhing
-will not point
-repetitive play
-avoids eye contact
-does not like to cuddle
-echoes words/phrases
-does not handle change
-insensitivity to pain
-rocking/head-banging/hand flapping
-prefers to be alone (does not interact with peers)
-inappropriate attachment to objects
-appears to have no safety awareness
My child is still in diapers/pull-ups. Are these covered by Insurance?
Diapers/pull-ups are covered by Insurance. You must have a perscription from the doctor explicitly stating what type, how many per month you need, and the size. There are several medical supply companies you can utilize, as well as local pharmacies.
What is WrapAround Service?
"Wraparound" is a nickname for Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS), which "wrap" around existing services. BHRS is a Medicaid-funded program providing trained professional support for children under age 21 to reduce or replace problem behavior with positive, socially appropriate behavior. Wraparound services are family and child-centered, and they can take place in variety of settings, not just one place. Services are defined by the Behavior Treatment Plan, or Behavior Care Plan. Progress is monitored with data, updated regularly and reevaluated every three months. Also, wraparound services are often very personal. Some families may need to adjust to new persons actively joining their daily activities.
*How are services decided?*
The Behavior Treatment Plan is the plan developed by a team representing several support agencies. This team includes parents, any lead teacher, a Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC), any services coordinator, any therapist or counselor, and any person(s) the family wishes, including an advocate. If appropriate, your child is included. The plan includes goals,
objectives, and treatments. Goals may target safety, functional, communication, social and classroom behavior and each member of the team is assigned responsibility to help meet the goals. Goals are individual to the needs of your child and family, and are updated as often as every three months.
*Who provides services? *
Wraparound services are usually provided directly to clients by Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS), Therapeutic Staff Support Assistants (TSSA), a Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC) and a Mobile Therapist (MT), who work for a local agency. Your community may have several agencies, but not all of them may serve children with autism of your child’s age.
*When and where do services occur?*
The Behavior Treatment Plan includes the prescription for "level of care," or the treatment hours assigned each week to TSS, MT and BSC, and in which setting. Settings often include school, camp and/or home.
*What do services look like?*
TSS and TSSA provide one-on-one service. For instance, your child’s therapist may instruct a child on how take turns using cards, a worksheet, games, checklists, scripts and other strategies. The TSS and TSSA may then prompt the child to practice that skill in natural settings such as circle-time, recess or during a play date. This instruction may occur at your home and be practiced there, and at some point with other children. The TSS or TSSA take data and record treatment notes to measure the client’s progress toward independent use of the skill. The BSC regularly reviews these notes to adjust treatment and goals as needed.
*How can my child get services?*
Contact your county MH/MR office HCSIS Services and Supports Directory<http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/003670557.aspx?Url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hcsis.state.pa.us%2fhcsis-ssd%2fpgm%2fasp%2fPRCNT.ASP>and request wraparound services.Your child must be found eligible for wraparound services by a local agency. Families should contact agencies and determine which may have the best experience and staff for their child’s needs.
*What wraparound is not *
Wraparound services are medically necessary services. Wraparound is not a substitute or supplement for speech and language, occupational or physical therapies. Wraparound is not a substitute for academic instruction by a teacher.
For details Visit our glossary for the definitions of acronyms and words used in this section. In addition, your Behavior Health Managed Care Organization (BHMCO) likely has printed materials and a Web site designed to help you understand their wraparound services and complaint process.
*Why does my child need wraparound services when I already have education services? *
There are similarities between wraparound services and education services. However there are important differences because the long-term goals of these two systems are different. School services are designed to meet the goals of IDEA<http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/003670557.aspx?Url=http%3a%2f%2fidea.ed.gov%2f>, a federal education law that focuses on functional and academic skills that prepare a student for independent living, a job or further education. Wraparound services focus on community integration and skill development to increase the independence of individuals and their families.
Wraparound services, or "wrap," serve behavioral health needs exclusively, with the purpose of helping the child learn skills to become independent in their daily environments as they develop. Services to teach independence can occur anywhere a child needs them, including play-dates, community outings, and recreation. This may include school activities, whether public or otherwise.
Wraparound staff are hired and trained for the sole purpose of supporting the needs of the child and their family arising from the child’s disability. Staff hired must have state-mandated minimum levels of experience, Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) who provide direct support must have a two-year college degree, but often have a four-year college degree, if not advanced health training. They teach and support the learning of specific positive behaviors, such as safety skills and social interactions, like dealing with conflict and maintaining conversations.
Long-term goals are addressed with quarterly objectives in a Behavioral Treatment Plan. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in creating, carrying out and following through on the Plan.
In contrast, education services historically focus on the school setting. School staff are historically trained to serve the needs of children without disabilities, but may receive additional training about children with disabilities. In addition, school staff aides may be hired without a college degree or advance training. Training usually relates to typical activities of a public school. School services for children with disabilities are designed to meet a legal obligation to provide the child access to the general education curriculum and provide individualized services and support that enable them to benefit from a public education.
Who do I call for Respite Care?
You should call your local MH caseworker.
Who do I call for Waivers? (PUNS)
You should call your MR caseworker.