Oregon Medicaid, The lives and routines of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) differ significantly from those of other children. Children with this condition face difficulties in communication, social relationships, learning, and behavior. As such, they require specialized educational, medical, and social support. In the United States, many states and counties operate various programs to provide assistance to such families. These programs aim to ensure that every child, regardless of their economic status or level of disability, can receive the necessary services.
Support Services Available at the State and Federal Level
Various types of public support services are available for children with autism. These include financial assistance, educational support, medical care, job-related skills training, and residential or life-related services.
Under federal law, all children are entitled to a free public education, including special education services as needed. Additionally, some benefits are provided based on need—such as a family’s financial situation or the severity of the disability. Most children with autism and intellectual disabilities are considered eligible for these benefits.
Financial investments in community support services have increased significantly over the past three decades, but state policies and funding priorities vary. Some states ensure that children with autism and other disabilities remain in family environments, while others also provide funding for institutional care or community homes.
Health Insurance and Related Benefits
Many states mandate that health insurance companies cover “Applied Behavior Analysis” (ABA) therapy. This therapy is considered extremely helpful in the development of children with autism.
In addition, insurance plans may also cover other services, such as transportation expenses. For children and adults with disabilities, special parking permits are also issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to facilitate their travel.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal assistance program that helps families caring for children with disabilities. This assistance is for children whose disability affects their normal functioning at home, school, or in the community.
Eligibility for SSI depends on the family’s financial situation and the child’s level of disability. Eligible families receive a fixed amount each month to help meet the child’s needs.
Sometimes, families who don’t have very low incomes but have multiple children or high expenses also qualify.
In most states, receiving SSI automatically entitles a child to Medicaid (publicly funded health insurance). This reduces the burden of medical expenses on families.
What is the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program?
One of the most common financial assistance programs for families is the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program. Aid under this program is determined based on the child’s level of disability and its impact on the family.
Families from any income group can receive this assistance. However, if the child is under 18, the family’s total income is considered. For young adults over 18, only their individual income is counted.
Many states have long waiting lists for this program. Therefore, parents should contact the local HCBS office and register as soon as a child is diagnosed with autism.
Once a child is placed, a case manager works with the family to develop an annual plan, selecting the necessary services.
These services may include—
- Respite services (at home, in a center, or as a camp) to provide relief to parents,
- *Necessary medical equipment,
- Modifications to make the home safe (home remodeling),
- and other supportive services.
Children who qualify for HCBS waiver services may also be eligible for other public insurance or medical assistance plans.
How to find out about services available in your state?
Policies and services vary from state to state, so parents should contact their state or county’s Department of Health and Human Services or Mental Health Department.
In addition, information can be obtained from the following organizations:
Easterseals Disability Services (www.easterseals.com)* – Services for children and adults with ASD in over 20 states.
- Family Voices (www.familyvoices.org) – Local parent support groups with state-specific pages and contacts.
- School District Special Education Coordinators – Get information by contacting your child’s school.
- Title V Agencies – Exists in every state. Information on these is available at www.amchp.org.
What is a Special Needs Will and Trust and why is it necessary?
Many public assistance programs, such as SSI, depend on the family’s financial situation. If a family gives a large sum of money directly to a child as a gift or inheritance, it may affect their SSI eligibility.
Therefore, it is essential to prepare a Special Needs Will & Trust.
This trust ensures that funds in the child’s name are used only for goods or services not covered by Medicaid, SSI, or other government funding.
If this condition is not included in the will, the family may lose federal benefits until the inheritance is exhausted.
In some cases, if this rule is not followed, the government may also recover the cost of services already provided. Furthermore, the share of other siblings’ funds may also be affected.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney when preparing such trusts.
The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit also provides detailed information on this topic, which families can easily access ([www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/transition-tool-kit].](http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/transition-tool-kit%29.)
Conclusion: Awareness is the first step to help
Support for children with autism is not limited to medical treatment, but also includes education, financial security, family support, and long-term planning.
Each state has its own policies and resources, but with the right information and timely action, families can better shape their child’s future.
These programs, available at the government and community levels, ensure that any child, no matter how great their challenges, can live a respectful and safe life in society.
This collective effort in autism awareness, support, and policymaking is leading our future generations towards a more sensitive, enabling, and inclusive society.
