When your child is diagnosed with autism, it is an incredibly daunting time. What is the prognosis? Will my child ever be normal? Go to school? Have friends? Get married? These are the questions that race through any parent’s mind after hearing the diagnosis of autism. We understand, because we’ve been there. The Autism Center of Pittsburgh was founded and started by parents of children with autism frustrated with the lack of understanding of the disorder. You can rest assured that at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, and with Aspire Pediatric Therapy, your child will get the best possible services from people who understand more than anyone — other parents of children with autism.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to join our online discussion group where hundreds of other moms and dads who have gone through the same thing will be happy to help you.

If your child is 3 or under, and you suspect a developmental delay or autism, you can call the Birth to Three program in your area. In Allegheny County, the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers can be reached at (412) 885-6000. For surrounding counties, simply go to google and type in your county and the words “birth to three program.” Most programs are run out of the County mental health/mental retardation offices. The services that birth to three will provide are speech, occupational therapy, developmental therapy, and physical therapy. Speak to a coordinator at your County’s birth to three program right away if you suspect any delay.

You should also get a psychological evaluation for your child right away. We can do evaluations right at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, or you can call one of a number of large facilities. Larger facilities, however, typically have a 4-5 month waiting list. Here is what we recommend: Make an appointment with larger facility, but come to the Autism Center of Pittsburgh in the interim. We can get you an evaluation, (read What To Expect From An Initial Evaluation) and if your child is diagnosed with autism, we can get you started with services. We recommend that you keep your appointment at the larger facility to check for genetic disorders, but if you come to us first, you can get started earlier with services. Time is of the essence — the sooner your child gets help, the better.

Once you have received a psychological evaluation, you will receive an evaluation report within a few weeks. If your child is diagnosed with autism, you are eligible to receive services through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s ACCESS program. IT IS NOT WELFARE. Because commercial insurance companies SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDE autism as a covered expense, families who have a child with autism MUST apply for ACCESS to receive services.

Once you get your ACCESS card, you are eligible to receive wraparound services in your home. What is wraparound? Well, just read this booklet from Community Psychiatric Centers and they’ll explain it all!