Children age 0-3 who have autism can get services through a program called Early Intervention (EI).
This program is offered in all states. In Louisiana it's called EarlySteps.
These services are proven to help a child's early growth and development.
If your child with autism can start therapy before age 2 1/2, they have a much better chance to overcome the challenges.
EarlySteps can offer:
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Special therapies for things like emotional development, speech, movement, and behavior
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Social work to help connect your family to other needed services like childcare, food, or housing
You're already doing one of the best things for your child and your family by getting EarlySteps services!
The goal of EarlySteps is to help kids with developmental delays catch up. Many of the program's services will also address the special needs of kids with ASD and their families.
If you don't already, you will soon have the following things in place:
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A contact person, or Family Service Coordinator (FSC) to help you manage the services
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An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that describes the therapies and other services your child and family will get.
Here's what you can do to make the most of your EarlySteps services:
Talk with your Family Support Coordinator about ASD.
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Make sure your IFSP includes everything you need.
You can review the IFSP and make changes anytime you want.
Play with your child often!
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Talk with your Family Support Coordinator about ASD.
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Talk with your Family Support Coordinator about ASD.
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Your Family Service Coordinator should be checking in with you every 3 months to make sure everything is going well. If this isn't happening, call them!
For a refresher on your family's rights, click the on the "Early Steps Family Rights Handbook" link at the bottom of the page. (It will open in a new tab or appear in the lower right corner of your screen.)
Visit the EarlySteps Parent Corner to find resources, learn how to talk to other parents, and more. (Click on the name and it will open in a new tab on your computer)
Source: LDH
You're already doing one of the best things for your child and your family by getting EarlySteps services!
The goal of EarlySteps is to help kids with developmental delays catch up. Many of the program's services will also address the special needs of kids with ASD and their families.
If you don't already, you will soon have the following things in place:
-
A contact person, or Family Service Coordinator (FSC) to help you manage the services
-
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that describes the therapies and other services your child and family will get
Here's what you can do to make the most of your EarlySteps services:
Talk with your Family Support Coordinator about ASD.
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Make sure your IFSP includes everything you need.
You can review the IFSP and make changes anytime you want.
Play with your child often!
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Talk with your Family Support Coordinator about ASD.
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Talk with your Family Support Coordinator about ASD.
Ask if there are any special autism programs that would help.
Your Family Service Coordinator should be checking in with you every 3 months to make sure everything is going well. If this isn't happening, call them!
For a refresher on your family's rights, click the on the link at the bottom of the page to download the EarlySteps Family Handbook. (It will open in a new tab or appear in the lower right corner of your screen.)
Source: LDH
What you can do:
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Click on the "EarlySteps System Points of Entry" link below to download a list of places to call. These places are called System Points of Entry (SPOE). (It will open in a new tab or appear in the lower right corner of your screen)
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Call the contact person listed for your area. They will tell you how to enroll in EarlySteps. You will have to start with an evaluation to see if your child qualifies.
Source: LDH