Ages 6 – 12
6 – 12 Checklist
Summary Checklist
The following is a brief checklist of things to help you get started. This checklist is meant to serve as a guide only and is not exhaustive of all services and supports you should explore for your child or family member.
[button type=”primary” text=”Print This Checklist” url=”https://www.pathfindersforautism.org/docs/checklists/6-12.pdf” open_new_tab=”true”]
Health and Medical Care, and Related Therapeutic Interventions
- Understand the definitions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and why a person should be diagnosed.
- Learn about treatment options and therapies
- Sign up for the Autism Waiver
- Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Investigate Behavior Supports if you need them
- Schedule regular re-evaluations and medical follow-up to measure progress and identify challenges
- Develop a system to organize your paperwork
- Develop a good group of providers and supports that will continue to work with your family on a long term basis
Medical Assistance
Assistive Technology
- Learn all you can about Assistive Technology services available
- Explore financial assistance for Assistive Technology
Education
- Learn all you can about educational options that are available (Diploma vs Certificate of Completion)
- Learn about the special education process and IEPs
- Learn about 504 Plans
- Determine with your IEP team which state assessment tests are most appropriate for your child
- Contact your Parents’ Place of Maryland, Partners for Success Family Center, or the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for assistance with school issues, IEP development, school resources
- Prepare for the transition from elementary to middle school
- Understand your student’s placement options
- Address any instances of bullying immediately
- Understand matters of discipline including suspension and expulsion
- Get involved with your local Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC) or the Maryland Special Education State Advisory Committee (SESAC)
- Explore summer time options
- Develop a system to organize education records
Social and Relationships
- Help your child learn about appropriate social skills
- Teach your child about his/her body and sexuality as age appropriate
- Develop the recreational and leisure activities that your child enjoys
Safety
- Teach your child about stranger danger
- Discuss what is appropriate talk and touch
- Address wandering and elopement
Funding for Services and Legal Issues
- Review the “Financial Things Every Parent of a Child with Autism Needs to Know”
- Sign up for the Autism Waiver
- Determine if your child is eligible for Social Security Benefits
- Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Investigate Low Intensity Support Services (LISS)
- Learn about life planning tools and options
- Develop a system to organize financial and legal records
Support: Support Groups and Respite
- Network with others at a support group
- Identify your support system
- Take care of yourself, your spouse, your other children
- Investigate respite care options
Advocacy and Self-Advocacy
- Learn how to be an advocate for your child
- Get involved with your local Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC) or the Maryland Special Education State Advisory Committee (SESAC)
- Help your child learn self-advocacy skills