<a href=”http://www.autismone.org/content/autism-brain-thining-and-behavior-executive-function-mary-jo-lang-phd-abpn”>Click Here To view Autism: The Brain, Thining and Behavior- Executive Function by Mary Jo Lang, Phd, ABPN!</a>

Develop Vocational Skills

 Begin investigating your child’s abilities and planning for vocational skills by developing functional workplace skills. For each child these objectives will look very different. Find activities for your child to become involved in which encourage and foster development of specific interests and skills (i.e. robotics clubs, children’s engineering software, science clubs, etc.). Parents can also  encourage and develop vocaltion skills in your home by providing opportunities for your child to practice vocational skills (i.e. stacking groceries, unloading the dishwasher, etc.).

Develop Interpersonal Relationship Skills

Be sure to also directly work on developing your child’s interpersonal relationship skills by developing their abilities to advocate effectively for themselves, engage in appropriate conflict resolution skills, as well as other appropriate social behaviors. 

Develop Independent Daily Living Skills

Assist your child in developing his or her independence in daily living skills by developing his or her abilities to plan and cook meals,  complete other household chores, identify problems and create solutions to daily challenges, develop and follow schedules, set and accomplish goals.

For child with special needs early planning is an essential component of successful independent adult living.

http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3909861/k.B9DF/State_Initiatives.htm

Even if your state has laws in place to mandate insurance coverage for children with autism the process of getting services covered can be involved.

Below are some suggestions for simplifying the process:

1) Find a primary care physician who is supportive and understands the benefits of behavioral interventions for your child.

2) Contact your insurance company to find providers in your area, develop an understanding of the provider approval process.

3) Be persistent! Many insurance companies are just beginning to identify providers for these services.  Find people within your insurance company who can answer your questions related to obtaining coverage. If necessary, identify billing codes to share with your insurance company related to your requested behavioral services to assist in quickly communicating your families needs.

Check out this link as an additional resource to assist in the process of obtaining insurance coverage for your child:

http://www.insurancehelpforautism.com/index.html

The following are tips for working with your child’s team:

Identify the Need
Come prepared. Developing a solid educational plan for your child requires all team members working with your child to understand his/her needs and effective strategies for supporting these needs. Identify areas of deficit and prepare a list of objectives to discuss with your team related to specific areas of support, behavioral, academic objectives, etc.

Do Your Homework
Speak with other families, educators, professionals, find literature or other resources to begin to learn how to best support each of your listed objectives.

Inform Staff
Share these strategies, and any available resources with your team members. Provide staff with appropriate literature, materials, websites, etc. throughout your child’s school year to assist you team in developing appropriate supports.

Be a Team Player
Remember this is a team. Become a solid member of this team. Build relationships. Listen to ideas of other team members, and learn how to advocate for your child with your knowledge of him and effective interventions vs. your emotions. Removing your emotions from discussions about your child is nearly an impossible task, but the more you advocate for your child with your knowledge rather than your emotions, the more effective you will be in advocating and working as a team to meet his/her needs. Educate yourself on your child’s disability, state and federal educational law, and best-practice standards for interventions.

Use Data
Review data to assist in problem-solving and making decisions on your child’s progress and the effectiveness of interventions.

Effectively Communicate
Work on developing effective communication channels with necessary staff. Communicate regularly on your child’s progress and needs. Share information from home with team members that may be helpful in supporting your child.