Financial Tips

Access your school district's many resources

Public schools in every state have free education and services for children on the Spectrum. Accessing the school district is a great way for your family to ascertain whether or not your child has an autism diagnosis in their future. You can begin this journey by accessing outside agencies or private clinics, but the cost is yours alone to bear. In addition, many families end up getting a second or third opinion, which only serves to increase the financial burden. On the flip side, public schools are, at times, seemingly slow to respond and unreliable. One thing you can count on with the public school system is that most of their criteria for diagnosing Autism Spectrum children is standardized.

We have only experienced the school system in Minnesota. Minnesota happens to be a pocket of support for all people of disabilities but it is not unlike its counterparts in other states in that each school district has its own way of implementing the funds it receives.

"When I enrolled my boys in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), it was probably the best experience our family could have encountered. We learned volumes about every aspect of an Autistic person's life. We found resources outside the school setting.  We learned how to navigate the next steps in the school system. But most importantly, the teachers at the childhood center were incredibly sincere and empathetic. They treated our boys with dignity and honor. Our entire family continues to support and replenish the center in any way we can even though our sons are long gone, but yours may be just coming along." - Shellie Mercier, CrossRoads Autism Advisor

If services are not provided through the school district you reside in, find one that does and send your kids there.  Drive them if you must, but get them there. 

A note to parents who are starting with a diagnosis long past Early Childhood. You are here for "such a time as this." Your timing is perfect for you and yours. There are excellent ways to access the best possible information and services, regardless of age. Like all opportunity, it's waiting for you to take it.

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State and County Funding

Not unlike the school system, the state and county funding will be different in each state and each county.  There are many families roaming around with the wrong information and this wrong information gets passed along like the cold virus.  It is important to find out the facts for your county before you blindly follow along in the mistakes of someone else. 

Some families choose not to engage at all due to the utter fatigue. We get that. Fatigue is only temporary and is easily cured by getting some sleep.  Then, refreshed and renewed, get on the phone. 

Here are some commonalities:

• Most of the State and County programs are based solely on the presence of a disability, not on your income. An example of an income based program would be food stamps.

• Your first step is to contact the county office that handles Medicaid assistance. In Minnesota, Medicaid is accessed via a TEFRA application and the office to contact for this varies from county to county.  The forms will be mailed to you and you must return them via mail.  You can not apply for this on the internet. 
• It is VERY important to go over them and read them accurately.  If there is something missing, they will send them back to you with a request to supply the missing information and you will be put at the "end of the line".
• It it is taking a long time to hear a decision, call them.  Go there.  Buy someone lunch.  Take on the challenge they are giving you when they make you wait on hold for over 25 minutes, thinking that you will just go away after 10.  The squeaking wheel gets oiled, so squeak loudly.
• Always remember to be brutally honest. If you put a glossy shine on everything to make yourself appear as though you have it together, all that will get you is a denial.  After all, things look good!  If you are to get the help you truly need, show them what the worst day looks like in the life of your child. 

 The Autism Society of America also has a list of Autism-related Resources. Check them out.

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Private Insurance Plans

Anything else that is not federally, state, or county funded is considered private insurance.  This is typically insurance that you have to pay for, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Partners, or Minnesota Care. 

Autism is currently considered a psychological disorder and most insurance plans are typically designed for medical diagnosis.  However, this is changing and some insurance plans are getting better at covering Autism. 

Check with your carrier on what is covered and what is not covered, as well as any limits on coverage.  Many insurance companies have help lines for you to call.  Call it and ask the representative what type of wording is needed to have Autism covered. 

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