For children under 3 years of age, in-home direct services, will be provided as needed. This may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and early education. An IFSP (INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SERVICE PLAN) will be developed to guide these supports and therapies. Each state provides this service at the county level.
In Kansas: Infant Toddler or Tiny K Services 1-800-332-6262
In Missouri: First Steps—MO Intervention Services 1-866-583-2392
Services for ages three to five years can be provided by your local school district through their Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services. Each district determines how these services are delivered. Some districts provide support and therapies in the community preschool your child can attend. Some districts provide services in a school based preschool. Some use a combination of both sites. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will replace the IFSP. It will outline which services your child will receive, how, and who will deliver them. A meeting between your child’s early intervention services provider and your local school team will help with this transition. If your child has not received services, please contact your local school district Special Education office or your neighborhood school principal to let them know that your child will need services. Public school services are provided at no cost to the family.
The Autism Waiver is a service provided through Kansas Social Rehabilitation Services for children from the age of diagnosis through the age of five. If eligible the child and family may receive waiver services for a time period of three years. The waiver is designed to provide intensive early intervention services to children with ASD. The services include respite care, parent support and training, intensive individual supports, consultative clinical and therapeutic services, and family adjustment counseling. To be eligible for the autism waiver the child must receive a diagnosis by a licensed medical doctor or psychologist (Ph.D.). At this time only a limited number of applicants can be served across the state of Kansas. Once the child has been accepted into services an Individualized Behavioral Plan/Plan of Care will be developed with the family by an autism specialist. Applications can be obtained through your local SRS office or the SRS website: http://www.srskansas.org/hcp/css/Autism/Autism_Preliminary_Application.pdf or by calling your local Social Rehabilitation Services office.
There are many private programs and schools specifically developed to help children with ASD. Some private programs in the KC Metro area can be found online at www.kcautismservices.com. Families may choose to enroll their child in a private program or supplement their public program with private therapy services.
