• ABA is considered the gold-standard treatment for children with autism and focuses on improving behavior, communication, social skills, and daily living skills. Research shows that early, intensive behavioral therapy, ideally starting by age 3, is most effective in helping autistic children develop the skills needed for daily life, school, and social interactions. ABA is a scientific therapy based on how people learn and is used to help individuals, often those with autism or other developmental disabilities, develop new skills and change problematic behaviors. ABA therapists focus on making practical, functional changes to behavior by understanding the “why” behind a behavior and teaching more appropriate alternatives using techniques like the ABC approach (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence). The therapy is individualized to the person’s needs, focuses on strengths, and aims to promote meaningful independence. There are a number of ABA centers that provide services in West Virginia, including the following: https://mountaineerautismproject.com/resources/
• Additional therapies might be helpful. Your doctor may also recommend additional therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health services, and/or physical therapy
• Consider school-based evaluations. For children over three, the school system can evaluate them to determine eligibility for services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and access to services like speech therapy and occupational therapy. To request a special education evaluation, you must submit a written request to the director of special education or your child’s principal in your school district. Your letter should clearly state your request, explain your concerns about your child’s learning, and give consent for the evaluation to proceed. It is crucial to document your request by sending it via certified mail or by getting a date-stamped, signed copy of the letter if you hand-deliver it.
• Know Your Rights. For reliable, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities, check out https://www.wrightslaw.com. An extremely helpful book for parents and advocates is Autism: Asserting Your Child’s Rights to a Special Education by David A. Sherman.

• West Virginia mandates autism coverage. State law requires public insurance plans like Medicaid and WVCHIP to cover autism diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment; and the Affordable Care Act requires most private health insurance plans to cover autism diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment, as well.
• Understand coverage limits. There may be limits on the amount of coverage for ABA therapy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm.
• A medical prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity Progress report is necessary to obtain insurance coverage for your child, followed by an assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to develop an individualized treatment plan.
• And then for continued treatment: Doctors or your child’s behavior specialist (BCBA) continue to submit progress reports to the insurance company every six months demonstrating continued improvement and potential for maximum improvement.

• Social Security Disability (SSI) is based on both disability and income eligibility for children with special health care needs. If children qualify, they are eligible for a WV Medical Card to help cover expenses and cost of care, in addition to need-based funding from the state. To apply, contact your local DHHR. If denied for SSI, request a formal denial letter and apply for the CDCSP Program. 
• Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) is an optional Medicaid program that allows children with disabilities to receive medical assistance. Children must qualify to receive the level of care provided in a medical institution, though they do not need to be receiving services from a medical institution. Only the child’s income and assets are considered, providing all other eligibility criteria are met. Children receive a West Virginia Medicaid card through this program. For more information, visit www.pcasolutions.com or call (304) 776-7230.
• Title 19 Home and Community Based Waiver (I/DD Waiver) is run through APS Healthcare. This program is designated for individuals age 3 and up. The IDD Waiver provides a lifetime medical card and a host of other services for children with lifelong disabilities. These services may include respite care, paid transportation, and therapeutic services. To apply, call (866) 385-8920.
• West Virginia Health Insurance Premium Payment (WV HIPP) is a state-funded program for qualifying Medicaid recipients and their families who have access to health insurance that is either self-funded, available through a job, or COBRA. If an applicant qualifies, the state will pay the monthly cost of the premium for a health insurance policy that covers the policyholder and their Medicaid dependent(s). Medicaid may also pay out-of-pocket medical expenses when the HIPP member sees a qualifying physician. For more information, visit www.mywvhipp.com or call (855) 699-8447. 
• WV ABLE is a specialized savings account for individuals with disabilities. It allows families to save money for their child without jeopardizing their eligibility for SSI/Medicaid. Children can have over $2,000 in financial resources in their ABLE account while still receiving government disability benefits. For more information call (304) 340-5050 or visit https://wvable.com/.
• Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN) provides care coordination, assistance in navigating DHHR & community resources, and provides financial assistance with medical foods. CSHCN is intended for children and youth with certain chronic, debilitating conditions by providing specialized medical care and care coordination services who meet financial and medical eligibility criteria. For more information visit https://www.wvdhhr.org/cshcn/ or call (800) 642-9704.

Support groups can be invaluable for sharing experiences and getting advice from others who have navigated the same challenges. For a list of Family and Community Support Resources, please go to: https://mountaineerautismproject.com/resources/