Connect with Samantha: www.everybrainisdifferent.com

Download the Guide to Raising Your Neurodivergent Child: www.everybrainisdifferent.com

Samantha and Lauren continue their discussion on what to do when you suspect or receive an autism diagnosis, revisiting the idea of “being a detective” to learn what makes your child tick while also debating the line between respecting boundaries and pushing kids to get out into the world for social learning and health.

They emphasize acting early to access supports, highlighting Medicaid options like the disability-based Katie Beckett Waiver (which can cover broad healthcare and therapies) and other state-specific waivers for non-traditional therapies, plus early intervention (Zero to Three), developmental preschool requirements, IEPs/504s, respite care, parent training, adaptive equipment, grants, and case management.

They stress that professionals often won’t volunteer these resources, approvals can take months to years, denials are common, and parents should reapply, follow up persistently, join local Facebook groups for area-specific guidance, get on multiple therapy waitlists, keep organized records, and request school assessments in writing.

00:00 Welcome Back Recap
00:40 Boundaries Versus Pushing Growth
03:01 Why Social Practice Matters
05:09 Finding Help After Diagnosis
05:24 Medicaid Katie Beckett Waiver
08:11 Early Intervention and School Supports
09:45 Local Groups and Activity Options
11:52 Waitlists and Getting On Them
13:37 Be the Squeaky Wheel
15:20 Organize Paperwork and Ask Providers
19:53 Action Steps and Next Episode

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent