Children, teens, and young adults with Autism are eligible for in-home or in-school services through IBHS (formerly known as BHRS or wraparound services). We offer this service through our Community Psychiatric Center’s (CPC) offices; however, these services end at 21 years of age. So, what are the options thereafter? In that respect, in this post I’ll describe four primary options that help individuals with special needs remain as independent and as productive as possible.
Here are some options – no particular order and these services are not mutually exclusive (you can have more than one at the same time):
Outpatient counseling
Working with a therapist in a structured, confidential, and comfortable setting can be very productive, especially if sessions are weekly and involve the family. Specific skills can be practiced and refined via role-playing and rehearsal of situations. Counseling also provides an opportunity to connect with somebody outside the direct family and develop coping skills. This service is provided locally including at our Community Psychiatric Centers Licensed Outpatient Mental Health Clinics.
Occupational Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVR)
This is a service, through the State of PA, that helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. It’s a valuable service that has helped many people remain in the workforce.
The Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)
This is a home and community-based service (HCBS) Medicaid waiver designed to provide long-term services and supports for community living, tailored to the specific needs of adults with Autism age 21 or older. This too is a valuable service also provided through our CPC offices; find out more about AAW by calling us at Community Psychiatric Centers or emailing at DrCarosso@aol.com.
By the way, a “waiver service” allows states to test and develop ways to deliver Medicaid funded programs that differ from the standard federal program. These waiver programs may have unique eligibility requirements and are designed to maintain independent living outside of long-term care facilities.
The Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP)
This is a managed care program in PA that is fully integrated that includes physical health, behavioral health, social, recreational, transportation, employment, therapeutic, educational, crisis, and in-home support. However, it’s only offered in a few PA counties: Dauphin, Lancaster, Cumberland, and Chester.
There are also, of course, host of private nonprofit services and supports, but the goal of today’s post was to present options paid through Medicaid that are readily accessible and have proven to be beneficial. Feel free to reach-out with any questions at DrCarosso@aol.com.
