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| NEWS & EVENTS |
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From our CEO, Susan Moreno: Medicaid Waivers… what you may not know.
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In our state of Indiana, and in many more across the country, the qualifications standards and priorities are changing. This is NOT good news for higher-functioning individuals with autism. Our state took out the requirement that a person with autism had to have cognitive disabilities to qualify for an autism waiver. Those of us who live with Aspergers/high functioning, or Level 1 Autism know that having an average or even superior cognitive level doesn’t mean that our loved ones don’t need significant support in daily living, work, and aging. In my work at MAAP Services, have learned of way too many adults with autism who end up homeless due to lack of support services once they are emancipated from school age or their parents are deceased. We must stay vigilant about any proposed changes in Medicaid priorities or qualifications. Also, are you aware of how long the waiting list for Waiver Services is in your state? Are you aware that if your loved one with an ASD moves from one state to another, that he must re-qualify and get on yet another waiting list before getting any services, if any? I used to believe that ALL Americans had the right to "life, liberty And the pursuit Of happiness." How can that be true when my tax-paying, voting, working daughter with ASD cannot EVER move to another state without losing all of her services, Or at very best waiting years to receive help again? SSI Or SSD means nothing if you lose your ability to live in "the least restrictive environment (LRE)".To check the rules and regulations in your state, go to your state governments web page and search "Medicaid Waivers" "Autism Waivers" , "Developmental Disabilities Waivers" or "Medicaid Disability Waivers".They should lead you to either one of their pages or to a Social Security Administration page. STAY INFORMED And PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS! Like And VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: Autism Spectrum Coalition. Another great way to have a voice in And stay informed about our country's disability laws is to join the Autism Society http://www.autism-society.org/ I have been a member since 1976! They are our major legislative informant and advocate! |
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Check out our New Books on Autism. |
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| AN INVISIBLE NATION |
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There is a nation in our world today that is totally invisible… well, at least most of the time.
It is a non-political nation. This nation often endures great poverty. Its citizens are sometimes treated quite unfairly by
those in other nations. Until recently, those who needed help in this nation weren’t allowed to save money up for any
big goals. For many, their every move is watched, judged and others feel they should be in complete control of these
invisible citizens. The nation has no name or geographical boundaries. Many people who gave birth to these invisible
citizens wish they could create an island where this nation could reside in safety and with the respect of other nations.
This nation has been called by several labels… Level 1 Autism… Asperger Syndrome… High-Functioning Autism…
even Uniquely Human. I know about this nation, because my first-born child is a citizen of that nation.
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Many times in my life as the parent of someone with “level 1 autism” or “Asperger Syndrome”, I’ve endured pain, frustration and even embarrassment over the fact that my daughter’s truly significant challenges and the behavior they sometimes instigate are misinterpreted. People think or say things like,
“Did you ever try spanking her as a child?”… or “No one ever taught her manners.”… or “What a totally selfish and rude person.”
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| NEED TO REACH US |
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If you have questions please email us via “Contact us”. Once a week we will try and answer questions.
If your need for answers can’t wait (and we realize that is often true), we suggest you contact the Autism Society’s information line 1.800.3AUTISM (1.800.328.8476). |
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You can use our new phone line to leave messages. Please leave an email address and talk clearly. We will answer you via email, as it is more time efficient. Our new phone is (219) 789-9874. |
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