Georgia’s state motto, “wisdom, justice, and moderation,” is reflected in its commitment to inclusive initiatives and policies. These include its wide-ranging autism support services, which empower individuals and families across the state.
According to the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program (MADDSP), autism awareness in Georgia is growing significantly. Between 2014 and 2018, the prevalence of autism among 8-year-old children in Georgia rose from 1 in 59 to 1 in 44, which represents a 34% increase. This rise is due to a greater awareness of autism signs and symptoms, including sensory processing disorders and stimming, along with an increased understanding of the importance of early intervention.
Whether you’re new to Georgia or navigating your child’s recent autism diagnosis, this blog will provide valuable information on available resources, statewide initiatives, and the essential role of applied behavior analysis therapy in supporting children with autism.
At Heartlinks ABA, we proudly contribute to Georgia’s autism community by offering services such as personalized in-home ABA therapy, which helps children build essential skills, thrive, and foster independence.
Read on to learn more.
What Programs are Available for Children with Autism in Georgia?
Among all the states in the union, Georgia stands head and shoulders above the others thanks to their proactive approach to supporting autism services. Several government-funded programs are pivotal in providing critical support to children and families, including the following.
Georgia Medicaid Program for Autism Services
The Georgia Medicaid Program for ASD Services offers comprehensive coverage for critical therapies and tailored support to children on the spectrum under the age of 21. Thanks to this program, autistic children in Georgia have access to ABA therapy, which is considered the gold standard in autism care.
In addition, speech and occupational therapy can improve communication and motor skills, while developmental and psychological evaluations support an accurate autism diagnosis and a customized treatment plan. In covering these vital services, Georgia Medicaid ensures that families can access the care their children require without facing any financial barriers. This safeguards impartial support for children with autism in Atlanta and the entire state of Georgia.
Georgia Autism Initiative
In January 2018, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) introduced the Georgia Autism Initiative. This state-wide Medicaid program was designed to coordinate and effectively deliver services to increase early autism intervention, offer family coaching and support, and provide transition planning and provider training for babies and youth who’ve been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ranging in age from birth to age 21.
The Georgia Autism Initiative collaborates with doctors and district coordinators to administer autism-specific screenings. It also has a network of licensed community psychologists and certified BCBAs who provide diagnostic and behavioral interventions to improve the outcomes of teens and children diagnosed with ASD.
It’s estimated that over 3,500 children ranging in age from 18 to 24 months have been screened for ASD across the state thanks to the Georgia Autism Initiative program.
The Autism Plan for Georgia
The Autism Plan for Georgia was developed by the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. This program was designed to create a network of community-based, geographically convenient, culturally and linguistically appropriate services to help children on the spectrum reach their full potential and improve their quality of life.
This plan also reinforced the importance of understanding emotional regulation and providing families with the necessary resources to encourage positive behaviors.
Georgia Family Support Services
Navigating the challenges of getting help and support for the family of a child with autism can be daunting at times. However, Georgia offers a range of support services designed to address the specific needs of family members and caregivers of autistic children. These services encourage a strong, cohesive family unit and support the child’s development.
Family Support Services Eligibility
To be eligible for family support services, children must be four or older, living at home, and have an official diagnosis of a developmental disability (e.g., autism). The child must also not currently receive Medicaid services that provide home—or community-based aid.
Application Process
To apply, Atlanta families should contact community-based providers in their area. A complete list of providers by county is available at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Once the application is submitted, a family support coordinator will work in conjunction to develop an individualized family support service plan outlining the specific supports and services customized to the family’s needs.
Federal Autism Laws & Amendments that Apply in Georgia
Understanding autism laws in Georgia as they pertain to treatment and care can undoubtedly be challenging for parents and caregivers. But it’s critical to comprehend the federal laws that protect all autistic individuals, including the following.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law created to guarantee that children with disabilities, including autism, can access special education services tailored to their needs through an IEP (Individualized Education Program). As a part of this, parents have the right to participate in the education planning process for their children. They can dispute any resolutions if they disagree with the services being provided.
Early Intervention Services (Part C of IDEA)
Early Intervention Services (IE), which are listed under part C of IDEA, ensure that infants and toddlers displaying developmental delays or disabilities are eligible for the following services:
- Speech, physical, and occupational therapy
- Family training (i.e., ABA training for parents) and counseling services
- Developmental assessments
Difficulties in Autism Treatment Coverage
Despite all the advancements in autism laws in Georgia, there have been significant challenges in treatment coverage, which are due in part to limitations within Medicaid programs and holes in insurance policies.
Medicaid Coverage for Children on the Spectrum
Medicaid is a critical resource needed to cover the treatment for almost half of children with autism. Legally, Medicaid must cover all medically necessary services for children and teens on the spectrum ages 0-21.
However, like adults, children struggle in Atlanta and throughout the state to access the necessary care. There are marked disparities in Medicaid coverage, which have created tremendous hurdles for access to psychiatric and intensive health services.
Disparities in Insurance Coverage
Perhaps the most significant barrier to autism treatment in Atlanta, Ga., and beyond is the inconsistency of insurance coverage, leaving many families struggling to access what are considered essential services.
Even though Georgia enacted Ava’s Law in 2015, which required insurance providers to cover autism treatment for children ages six and younger, the law’s age limit prevents many children from receiving continued care as they grow older. In addition, self-funded insurance plans, which are more common among large companies, are exempt from these mandates, which in turn create inequality regarding access to vital therapies such as ABA autism therapies therapy in Atlanta, Ga.
Finding ABA Therapy Services in Georgia
To find ABA providers in Atlanta, Ga, you should follow a few steps to ensure you connect with qualified and reputable providers.
Do Your Research
It might sound basic, but start with an online Google search for the “best ABA therapy in Atlanta” (or, if you live elsewhere in the state, substitute Atlanta for your place of residence). Alternatively, you can check the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in your area. Some websites have their database of resources, including the following:
- Autism Speaks
- The Georgia Autism Initiative
- Spectrum Autism Support Group
- Focus
- Marcus Autism Center
Verify Credentials and Experience
As you research providers, ensure the ones you’ve identified are certified BCBAs and trained RBTs. We encourage you to ask about their experience with your child’s needs, age group, and specific challenges, including nonverbal communication and sensory processing disorders.
Understand Insurance Coverage
One criticism of ABA therapy is that it can be expensive; however, many providers accept insurance. When investigating your type of coverage, make sure you understand if your insurance covers ABA therapy, what documentation is needed to approve this coverage, and whether there are remits or restrictions on this coverage (i.e., the number of sessions).
Contact Providers
Schedule initial consultations with more than one provider in your area and make sure to ask questions such as:
- What treatment techniques do you use (i.e., shaping, tacting, prompt hierarchy).
- Do you offer in-home, center-based, or school-based therapy?
- How do you evaluate, track, and report the client’s progress throughout treatment (i.e., discontinuous measurement)?
When you reach out to providers like Heartlinks ABA, you can also ask about personalized programs designed to meet your child’s needs.
Heartlinks: Atlanta’s Premier ABA Therapy Provider
Understanding Georgia’s autism-related laws and the available support services may seem daunting. Still, as a parent, the more you know, the more empowered you’ll be to access your child’s resources. When the proper support is in place, a child on the spectrum and their family can lead fulfilling, independent, connected lives within their communities.
If you’ve got questions about ABA therapy or autism support services, Heartlinks ABA is here to help. Our experienced team can provide compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy services in Atlanta and assist you in navigating the resources available throughout Georgia and our other locations, including New Jersey, North Carolina, and Indiana. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.