Adult Autism

Possible Red Flags for Autism Spectrum Disorders Children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder might:

Though American States contract with agencies to provide services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities, States use different names, however, they primarily are the same. Some States are much better than others at providing, and enforcing, these agencies. We will review different States, but will start with California, New York, Texas, and work our way around the Country.

In California, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and related laws, define the obligations of the state and the California Department of Developmental Services, (DDS), to provide services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities. Individuals with autism are eligible to receive services over a person’s lifetime. Regional centers have formal complaints that one can file against the Regional Center for numerous reasons, including a §4731 complaint and a Whistle Blower complaint.

Autism in Adults

Unfortunately, we believe these investigations are completed by mostly secretaries, and not any investigative agency or persons trained in investigative procedures. It may bring additional secretarial jobs to Sacramento, but again, we believe it provides little, or no investigation, or prevention into Regional Centers’ wrongdoing. If you feel you, or your family member, have been treated unfairly; feel free to contact the U.S. Justice Department. They have competent investigators who will investigate, and not just give you paperwork to fill out, and then contact you six months later to inform you they did not have enough information to determine there was a violation of rights. In these types of agencies the parents and consumers that advocate and stand up for their family member and themselves, have a much better chance of receiving appropriate services than those who don’t.

Habilitation Services

Habilitation services funded through regional centers include Work Activity Programs (WAP) and Supported Employment Programs (SEP). WAP services are provided at work activity centers and persons are paid according to productive capacity. WAP services are intended to promote development of physical capacities, psychomotor skills, work habits, health and safety practices, and other work-related skills. SEP services are specialized services provided in an integrated work setting, such as direct supervision and training (or job coaching) and ongoing post-employment services; in order to help the person attain and retain community integrated employment.

Department of Rehabilitation Services

DOR also administers an independent living program that provides technical assistance and financial support for 29 independent living centers (ILCs) and the State Independent Living Council (SILC). SILC prepares a state plan for independent living, which sets the policy and funding levels for the ILCs and services. ILCs are community-based, nonprofit agencies designed and operated by individuals with disabilities. All ILCs provide peer counseling, independent living skills training, housing assistance, information and referral, advocacy, and assistive technology. Other services may be provided by individual centers.

Other Services

Californians with autism may also receive services provided by other state and local entities and programs. Some of the major services are identified below.

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program provides health care coverage for eligible low-income individuals, including persons with developmental disabilities. Pursuant to a federal Medicaid waiver for home and community-based services, Medi-Cal services may be provided to Californians with developmental disabilities who would otherwise require care in an institution regardless of the parents’ or the spouse’s income level.

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, a component of Medi-Cal, provides personal assistance services for eligible individuals, including persons with developmental disabilities so they can remain living in their homes.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a federal program that provides cash assistance to citizens who are age 65 and older, blind, or disabled. The State Supplementary Payment program (SSP) is a state program that provides additional cash assistance to SSI recipients.

Community colleges, trade schools, and other colleges and universities in California may provide education and vocational training to persons with developmental disabilities.

Intensive, one-on-one job services are available to persons with disabilities and others requiring special assistance through local job centers overseen by the Employment Development Department (EDD).

Some persons with disabilities may receive additional specialized job search, assessment, education and training, placement, and retention services through the Jobs for All (JFA) program, which is a collaborative effort between EDD and DOR.