Even without a diagnosis, your child may qualify for supports through the state. If you have not already connected with state resources, a Mn Choice assessment will start this process. To request a Mn Choice assessment, contact your local branch of the Department of Human Services. State resources may include waiver funding, which can go towards a variety of supports, possibly including PCA services, adaptive equipment, or safety equipment (e.g., door alarms).

Help Me Grow is an assessment conducted by the school system, which could connect your child with speech, occupational therapy, and/or special education services through the school system. You can request an assessment online or by phone.

Neuropsych testing is often recommended to get an autism diagnosis, and may be required by some insurance providers to access additional supports. Essentia provides this testing, although there is typically a 8-12 month waitlist. AuSM has a resource directory where you can search for additional providers. Providers may require a referral.

The Department of Human Services provides a handbook on navigating supports and services.

Little River Autism Services does not require incoming children to have a diagnosis.

If you have not already connected with state resources, a Mn Choice assessment will start this process. To request a Mn Choice assessment, contact your local branch of the Department of Human Services. State resources may include waiver funding, which can go towards a variety of supports, possibly including PCA services, adaptive equipment, or safety equipment (e.g., door alarms). With a diagnosis, your child may qualify for state health insurance through TEFRA.

Schools do not require a medical diagnosis to provide school based supports, and conduct their own assessments to determine a child’s eligibility for supports. Help Me Grow is an assessment conducted by the school system, which could connect your child with speech, occupational therapy, and/or special education services through the school system. You can request an assessment online or by phone.

The Department of Human Services provides a handbook on navigating supports and services.

Children do not require a diagnosis to qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) within the school. At any time, you can request your child’s school evaluate your child for an IEP. IEP advocacy services can be a helpful independent (and free) person to add to your team, to assist your family in navigating the school systems. IEP advocacy organizations include ARC Northland and PACER.

Little River Autism Services typically does not initiate services with children who are 8 or older. To find other service providers in our area, the Department of Human Services provides a provider directory. Under Category, select “Early Intensive Developmental Behavioral Intervention.” Under subtype, select “EIDBI agencies” for service providers, or “CMDE assessments” for diagnostic and eligibility assessment providers.

The Wisconsin Wayfinder can be a helpful tool in navigating state supports.

The Birth to 3 program (similar to Minnesota’s Help Me Grow), can help connect you with supports through the school district.

Autism United of Wisconsin may have additional resources listed.

Little River Autism Services does not currently accept Wisconsin State Insurance.