Supporting Families of Children with ASD

About Me Graduate of University of VA Graduate of Partners in Policymaking Volunteer with and employ of the Autism Society Central VA for over 20 years - I & R, Program Director, ED Medicaid Waiver Mentor Wife, mother, grandmother

Incidence of Autism In Virginia Public Schools 18,256 students with autism as primary disability category in 2015 An increase of 81% since 2010 No longer a “low incidence” disability

Stressors Experienced by Families of Children with ASD Sleep challenges Communication challenges Behavioral challenges Learning challenges Social challenges Isolation from the community Isolation within the family or marriage Difficulty navigating service systems Lack of respite Lack of knowledge/understanding of ASD Feelings of being overwhelmed

Agenda Supporting Parents Supporting Students with ASD Supporting Siblings

Supporting Parents

Supporting Parents Live Training/Workshops Online Resources Parent Networking Medicaid Waivers Behavioral and Crisis Supports

Supporting Parents Live Training

Live Training Popular Topics Positive Behavioral Supports Communication Sensory Issues IEP Development Transition Sibling Panel Self Advocate Panel Dad’s Only Event

Strategies for Optimal Attendance Live Training Strategies for Optimal Attendance Childcare Food Timing

Supporting Parents Online Resources

VCU Autism Center for Excellence www.vcuautismcenter.org Online Resources VCU Autism Center for Excellence www.vcuautismcenter.org

VCU ACE Parent Playbook Online Resources VCU ACE Parent Playbook Designed specifically for parents Provides information about characteristics of ASD as well as vital tips, information on effective interventions, and discusses different supports and services throughout the child's lifespan Self-paced and can be accessed online.

VCU ACE Additional Resources Online Resources VCU ACE Additional Resources Ask the Expert - 15 topics – 5 minutes “How to” Evidence Based Practice Videos – 26 topics – 5 minutes Monthly 45 minute webcasts Seminars Other websites Guides and fact sheets

Online Resources Commonwealth Autism www.autismva.org Statewide online searchable resource directory Autism Society www.autism-society.org/ Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org/

Supporting Parents Parent Networking

Parent Networking Face-to-Face Online Facilitated Topical Age specific Spectrum specific Online Pros Cons

Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers Supporting Parents Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers

Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers Developmental Disabilities Waivers Financial & functional criteria Screening through Community Services Board 12,000 on waiting list; other resources available to those on waiting list Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) Housing Vouchers

Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers CCC Plus Waiver (formerly known as the EDCD Waiver or Tech Waiver) Financial, medical, & functional criteria Screening through Department of Health or DSS No waiting list if found eligible Can be on waiting list for DD waiver while on this waiver

Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers Information on Medicaid Waivers can be found at the Arc of VA website: www.thearcofva.org/resources-services/medicaid-waivers/

Behavioral and Crisis Supports Supporting Parents Behavioral and Crisis Supports

Behavioral and Crisis Supports www.dbhds.virginia.gov/individuals-and-families/developmental-disabilities/crisis-services REACH is a crisis intervention and prevention program designed to serve individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (including autism) who may also have a mental illness or behavioral challenge.

Supporting Children with ASD

Supporting Children with ASD Sensory Friendly Experiences Sensory Friendly Movies Sensory Friendly Holiday Parties Inclusive Lego Club

Supporting Children with ASD Other Community Opportunities I’m Determined (middle school and older) Special Olympics Upward Local Parks and Rec Therapeutic Rec

Supporting Siblings of Children with ASD

Supporting Siblings of Children with ASD

Supporting Siblings of Children with ASD Virginia Is for Siblings www.vasibs.org/

Bradford Hulcher bradfordhulcher@gmail.com Questions? Bradford Hulcher bradfordhulcher@gmail.com