What are my options?Severely autistic child?

Question

What do you do,when your child is so hard to handle,that you can`t work a job, because no daycare will take him.He has behavior problems,but also gets sent home from school a lot because of bloody noses and seziure disorder.I no I can have him put in a group home,but what if I want to keep him at home.Financially speaking.He does get SSI,but that isn`t enough to live on.Are there any other services or help I can get?

Answer 1

Medication is not a bad answer... Most times, the right dose of meds and behavior analysis is the key... But, how old is your child. You said daycare and school. Does he go to school? Either way, you should check with your school district for early intervention programs... There are schools that deal with that population, along with the behaviors... and have the support to implementa proper behavior intervention. Also, take him to a psychiatrist and get the right meds...seriously. You can also check with your department of developmental disabilities (DDD) or autism organizations (COSAC).

Your son has a right to a free and appropriate education (FAPE), regardless of disability. If the school cannot meet his needs in district, they need to fund him in a school or program that meets his needs. But, since they are paying for it, you may run into some trouble.

Answer 2

I understand!  My son has moderat autism, but my husband "makes too much" (am not sure about that cause it certainly doesn't ever feel like too much once all the bills are paid...LOL) for us to qualify for SSI.  It has been tight for a long time.

The first thing you need to do is have a meeting with the IEP team at school to start working on some of the behavioral issues.  You need to come up with a plan that will be implemented at home (and this can be tough..you have to do it and do it consistently) and at school.  This is a long term thing, but the more you can address the behaviors, the easier things will get as time passes.

Next, you need to contact your states Dept. of Mental Health to see what you can qualify for.  If you don't have insurance, your son should qualify for Medicaid.  Many states also have program where specialists will come to your home to work on behavior issues in the home, help problem solve and help you apply for other support services.  Other places to contact...Easter Seals, the ARC and any autism support groups in your state.  All of these will give you contact and support from other parents in similar situations...and they are the people who will know what is available where you live.

You mention he is missing a fair amount of school.  You may want to contact the school to see if home education can be arranged for the times he is home.  Also, bloody noses are usually not enough to get him sent home.  If he is having severe bloody noses, there may be another cause...possibly from a medication he is taking..so talking with his doctor is probably a good idea.

As for how to improve your financial income..that is tough.  If possible, you may want to approach one of the aides from your son's school to see if they would be interested in doing child care in your home after school and during holiday breaks.  Looking for a job within the school system is often the best way to go...you would have the same hours and schedul as your son, so you wouldn't need daycare for the holiday or summer breaks.  Most schools are always looking for lunch room support or other support positions.  Of course, you could loose the SSI if you earn enough, but that would be doubtful working in the schools.  The state may have day care program expressly for kids with special needs.  The school may have information or the dept. of mental health or medicaid. Many of these programs have waiting lists, but finding out where they are and getting on the list is a first step.

Other than that, you may want to consider taking a course in either medical coding or medical billing, and then a course for HIPPA certification.  Both of there jobs can be done from home (although it may take some time to establish a client list) as long as you have a decent computer and internet connection.  I ended up going that route, taking on the billing for a small psychotherapy practice.  It is not a huge amount of money, but enough to make things a bit easier.  Things have gotten better...my husband's schedule finally became normal and I have been able to work part time out of the home.  It still is tight financially, but every bit helps!  Good luck.....

Answer 3

I know your feelings and hardships. My son falls in the Mild to Moderate Autism. We to get SSI and working for me is impossible. I am married but it is still not enough. We have another son and my husband has a daughter. I do not know if you are aware of a group on Cafemom who may know of some resources and if nothing else there are some wonderful moms there who can give you loads of advice and be a friend to lean on. I would tell you the same thing Contact your local Dept. Of Social Services. They won't help us because we are just a smidgen over income limits but it never hurts to try. Here is the link to the Cafe mom group and try posting there, someone may live in your state and know of some resources. I hope you find what you are looking for.

http://www.cafemom.com/group/76

Jessica

Answer 4

medication

Answer 5

I know exactly what you are talking about because my child  had the same issues.

She gets SSI too. You should contact Developmental disability services through the dept. of health and human services in your county for assistance. Medicaid can pay to have someone come to your home and work with your child. Work with them however you need them to. You could get someone you know to do it and medicaid will pay them or they can search for someone and you do the interviewing.

Be aware that there is usually a long waiting list. And once you get it you should hold on to it because you may never get it again.

Medicaid will not pay for the caregiver to assist your child at school (considered double dipping). In some states, other agencies offer similar services. But the best place to start is at DDS.

The government is not big on sending people to institutions these days and many states are improving programs for community living for people with disabilities.

as far as your child's behavior, get a handle on it. they can learn what is not appropiate. of course they will still have outbursts but they must understand what they cannot do in certain places.

Don't give up because it gets easier.

Answer 6

If he's three you should be able to get him into an early childhood program through your school district.  

As a teacher I can tell you that unless a day care is trained in working with severely autistic children, you are doing him a disservice in putting him there.  These kids need special learning situations.  Contact you local board of education for help and best of luck to you.

Emily Day - special ed teacher - 6 years.