We understand that you may not want to take your child in for an official medical diagnosis, especially when you or someone else suspects they may have autism. There are several reasons to consider investigating obtaining a medical diagnosis of autism. Some of these reasons are listed below.

Keep in mind this list is not exhaustive but meant to provide you with an understanding of why to move forward when you are going through your lists of pros and cons. The biggest list of pros for obtaining a medical diagnosis is access to services. See below for specific details.

The Diagnosis Report

Insurance will not cover applied behavior analysis services without a diagnostic report. This report should provide background information for the child, the assessments used during the evaluation, an overview of the results with descriptive analysis of how the results were determined, and recommendations for moving forward with school, therapy, or both.

If a child has a medical diagnosis of autism and they live in Texas, their parents are encouraged to sign them up for CLASS and HCS waitlists.

What is CLASS?

Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) provides home- and community-based services to people with related conditions as a cost-effective alternative to placement in an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related condition (Texas Health and Human Services, n.d.).

What is HCS? 

The Home and Community-based Services (HCS) program provides individualized services and supports to persons with intellectual disabilities who are living with their family, in their own home or in other community settings, such as small group homes (Texas Health and Human Services, n.d.).

This waiver is an alternative to receiving services in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID) (Navigate Life Texas, 2019).

See below for more detailed information about CLASS and HCS.

The Benefits of Joining a Waitlist

Even if families do not qualify for services through CLASS or HCS now, it is crucial that their child is on the waitlist for the future. These programs have long waitlists and when your child is an adult, they may qualify for services regardless of family need or income.

Finding a Community of Support

As a parent, you want to learn how to support your child. You want to learn how their brain works so you can effectively meet their needs. A medical diagnosis may allow you to investigate options for your child that you never thought of. It may provide you with insight into their brain and thought processes that allow you to learn with and from your child.

Parent connection and support is necessary for your mental health and well-being. If you have knowledge from a diagnostic report that provides you with detailed information about your child’s unique learning abilities and needs, you may be able to find a support group with other parents. Connecting with others who are in similar positions is beneficial for you, your family, and your child.

Support Through Your Next Steps

We understand that this may be a difficult decision for your family. If you would like to discuss your options with one of our administrative team members, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to answer questions, offer suggestions for referrals, or provide alternative resources as needed.

More about CLASS

CLASS provides home- and community-based services to people with related conditions as a cost-effective alternative to placement in an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related condition (Texas Health and Human Services, n.d.).

More about HCS

The Home and Community-based Services program provides individualized services and supports to persons with intellectual disabilities who are living with their family, in their own home or in other community settings, such as small group homes (Texas Health and Human Services, n.d.).

This waiver is an alternative to receiving services in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID) (Navigate Life Texas, 2019).

References

Disability Rights. (2018). Texas Home and Community-Based Supports and Services. Retrieved from https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/en/handout/texas-home-and-community-based- support s-and -services/

Navigate Life Texas, 2019. Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS). Retrieved from Texas Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Community Living Assistance and Support Services. Retrieved from https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care- providers/community-living-assistance-support-services-class

Texas Health and Human Services, (n.d.). Community Living Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual. Retrieved from https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/hand books/classpm/section-4000-consume r-directed-services -cds

Texas Health and Human Services. (2018). Approved Diagnostic Codes for Persons with Related Conditions. Retrieved from https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/providers/health/icd10-codes.pdf

Texas Health and Human Services. (2017). Community Living Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual. Retrieved from https://hhs.texas.gov/book/export/html/4261