1. Supporting Families
of Children with ASD

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Agenda Supporting Parents Supporting Students with ASD
Supporting Siblings

6. Supporting Parents

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

8. Supporting Parents
Live Training

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

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

11. Supporting Parents
Online Resources

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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. Online Resources Commonwealth Autism www.autismva.org
Statewide online searchable resource directory
Autism Society
Autism Speaks

16. Supporting Parents
Parent Networking

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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers
Information on Medicaid Waivers can be found
at the Arc of VA website:

22. Behavioral and Crisis Supports
Supporting Parents
Behavioral and Crisis Supports

23. Behavioral and Crisis Supports
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.

24. Supporting Children with ASD

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

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

27. Supporting Siblings of Children with ASD

28. Supporting Siblings of Children with ASD

29. Supporting Siblings of Children with ASD
Virginia Is for Siblings

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