A Guide for Parents

What if Do These
Your child is diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID) or  pervasive developmental disabilities (PDD) Join a support group
  Put your child’s name on Medicaid Waiver Programs interest lists
  Start record keeping
  Keep minimal financial resources under your disabled child’s name, if
you think s/he needs SSI in the future
When Special Needs Child is Who to Contact
Birth to Age 3 ECI, Early Childhood Intervention, provides services on a sliding fee
scale. For information about ECI or to refer a child, call Health and
Human Services(HHS) at 1-877-787-8999 or visit
www.hhs.texas.gov>early childhood intervention
Age 3 to 22 Your local public school system will be your child’s primary provider
Birth to Age 18 You can also inquire your local authority (such as the Harris Center or
Texana Center) about respite care. However, before your child turns 18,
there may be co-pay for the service.
Age 18+ Family income no longer plays a role for programs available at your
local authority. If your child has not already been seen by the local
authority, take him/her now. Keep in mind that, unless your child has a
court appointed guardian, s/he is considered a legally competent adult at
age 18 and must be present to sign all forms and give consent for testing
and services.
Age 22+ Your child ages out of school. If DID determines that your child
qualifies for service, your local center becomes your child’s primary
provider.
In addition, contact Texas Workforce Commission(TWC) at 1-800-628-
5115 for help in getting employment, if your child can do some work,
even if supervision is necessary.
Age 22+ Once your child is on ICF-IDD or Medicaid waiver program, your
service provider becomes your primary provider, rather than your local
center.
When Special Needs Child is Things To Remember
Age 14 to 22 Transition plan begins at public school at age 14. Your child is eligible
for transition service until graduation from public school.
Before age 18 You should request a “Determination of Intellectual Disabilities” (DID)
be done on your child at your local authority.
Age 18 Your child is considered an adult. Legally, your parental rights end
unless you acquire guardianship. The application process can begin at
age 17 ½. Legally, your financial responsibilities toward your child end.
You can apply Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid for
your child.
Age 22 Remember, your child ages out of school system when s/he turns 22.
Most adult services are not entitlements. You need to start thinking
about a day program to keep your child active during the day. The
better programs all have a waiting list. You should visit day programs
and place your child’s name on the waiting list early.
Age 22+ Your child ages out of school. If DID determines that your child
qualifies for service, your local center becomes your child’s primary
provider.
In addition, contact Texas Workforce Commission(TWC) at 1-800-628-
5115 for help in getting employment, if your child can do some work,
even if supervision is necessary.
Age 26 Contact your medical insurance or the human resource department of
your employer if you want to keep your child with special needs on
your medical insurance policy.
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ABOUT FFASN

We are a group of Asian families with special needs. Our members include those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, epilepsy and others. We serve our members and their families through special topic seminars, information sharing, structured activities and family events. Please be our friend, bring your professional expertise and join us to serve more families with special needs. FFASN is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. more about us

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