Autism Supports Coordination
 

ECCM is the only organization in Erie County that performs intake for supports coordination for individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which includes eligibility determination and support coordinator assignment for adults (for young children, check out our Early Childhood Intervention Services).

What is Autism Supports Coordination?

The Autism Division at ECCM provides supports coordination services to help individuals with autism realize their dreams of independence throughout all stages of their lives. We work very closely with state and local government agencies as well as direct autism service providers as the “center of the system," connecting individuals with developmental programs and community resources to maximize outcomes.

How do I apply for Autism Supports Coordination?

Traditionally, individuals would apply for services through the Pennsylvania Adult Autism Waiver — however, the annual acceptance rate is less than 1 percent. To help a greater percentage of the over 55,000 Pennsylvanians living with autism, ECCM offers its own waiver called the Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Waiver. The basic requirements and focus are the same, but the overall impact is much more substantial.

How do Support Coordinators help?

Following the “Everyday Lives” person-centered approach, our autism support coordinators will help individuals navigate their way through a system designed to meet their needs in a community setting, often in their own homes. They will work with individuals and their families to identify desired life goals and work to find community and paid supports to achieve these outcomes.

Autism Services

1. Development and maintenance of an Individual Support Plan (ISP).
2. Identifying needed services and locating qualified providers.
3. Locating and coordinating funding for needed services.
4. Monitoring services to ensure delivery and progress toward goals.
5. Ensuring health and safety.
6. Placing individuals on the needs list for waiver funding.

Eligibility for Autism Services

Eligibility for autism supports coordination requires:

1. A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on the results of objective standardized testing with evidence that the diagnosis of ASD occurred prior to the individuals 22nd birthday.
2. At least three deficits in the major areas of life activity — physical, cognitive, communicative, socioemotional, and/or adaptative. 
3. A medical evaluation documenting the appropriate level of care.
4. IQ testing and documentation can be used as appropriate to support eligibility.

The Intake Process

As the "center of the system", our intake department will initially meet with all individuals seeking services from the Autism Division to begin the process of deciphering and navigating these guidelines and bettering their lives. Referrals to our supports coordination organization can come from a number of sources, including the individual or their family. At the point of initial contact, our staff will explain the process, collect demographic data, and may request other documentation such as birth certificates and social security cards. 

After the initial meeting, follow-up activities include review and documentation of the individual’s educational, medical, social and psychiatric histories as well as a general review of the individual’s current autism support and service needs. If necessary, intake staff will direct an individual where they can obtain the required Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis assessment and medical evaluation. A functional mental health assessment may also be completed by ECCM intake staff.

(As per Office of Developmental Programs Guidelines.)

Autism Supports Coordination FAQs

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