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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), although included in developmental disability definitions nationally, and in other states, are not included in the definition of developmental disability here in Colorado. The Center for Disease Control states the prevalence of autism in Colorado is around 1 in every 169 children.

The Autism Society of Boulder County estimates that 1000 individuals have a diagnosis of autism in Boulder County. They suggest the costs associated with lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. Early Intervention and Special Education include many of these children in services through age five, as they may have developmental delays or be at risk of having a developmental disability as they age. It is demonstrated that these children and adolescents can benefit from behavior therapies to improve the social and emotional skills necessary to join fully with their family’s activities, as well as participate within their communities.

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• To create and offer innovative supports to local citizens who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) so they may live fulfilling lives of independence and quality in their homes and communities.
• To reduce added stress on families as a result of supporting a family member who has ASD.
• To make available flexible and responsive services to improve the living situation of persons who have ASD.

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• Persons with a diagnosis, defined in DSM-IV of Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS, Rett's Disorder, or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, determined and signed by a licensed psychiatrist, physician, or psychologist who specializes in autism spectrum disorders.
• The person is at least three years of age and less than 22 years of age.
• The person is living at home with his or her parents or guardian.
• The person is not eligible for, nor receiving other services funded by the Colorado Division for Developmental Disabilities through Imagine! (Person’s with autism who have intellectual deficits are often already eligible for Imagine! services funded by the State of Colorado.)
• The person lives in Boulder County.

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We secure services that promote the most cost-effective means to address the more significant issues that stand as barriers to participating in family and community activities. Enrollment in the service will end at three years duration. Before considering expenditure of allocation, enrolled consumers, with their families, will:

• identify needs that are related to ASD and exist because of ASD,
• seek assessment of a target need if not completed already, and
• develop a plan of service and support to fulfill that need.

The families will then address the identified needs with their annual allocation of funds. They will:

• select from a qualified list of providers to fulfill the services of the plan, and
• together with the providers develop and fulfill a method of generalization that will continue to address this need through natural supports and environments

The allocation is not a cash grant to the family but rather an allocation of funds that Imagine! will use to purchase services as directed by the family. The assessment, plan building, and initial intervention are considered the most critical and important to achieving the outcomes desired. This being the case, the availability of resources will follow this process. Thus the larger allocation comes during the first year of enrollment, followed by two years with allocations dropping annually to encourage the movement to natural supports and environments.

A consumer will be enrolled for a total of three years. The first year allocation is $5,000. The second year allocation is $3500. The third year and final allocation is $2000.

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Services can include:

• Behavior therapy, planning, and intervention for social and emotional support
• Personal attendants who follow behavior support plans
• Social integration activities
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological, psychiatric, and other services from licensed professionals
• Physical therapy
• Alternative Therapies, Treatments, and Approaches to service intervention*
  * At its discretion, Imagine! may agree to fund a professional service or program for alternative therapies, but does not endorse, verify, recommend or vouch for the safety, quality or efficacy of a particular provider, program, or treatment.

Services do not include:

• reimbursement to a family for services or supports purchased by the family
• support from a family member that is typically thought of as support that a child without ASD would receive
• the cost of nutritional supplements, food, recreation and leisure activities, or medications.

Imagine! will have a pre-approved list of service providers who will maintain a current written contract and meet a set of standard qualifications. The family will view this list of providers and services via the Imagine! web store and submit a Sales Order for the specific type and quantity of service desired. The ASD Program Coordinator will approve and process the Sales Order and email the service provider a Service Authorization. The provider will bill Imagine! for services rendered.

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Individuals will be placed on the Program waitlist based on date and time registration is received. A confirmation of receipt of registration will be emailed to the family. A current email address, phone number and mailing address should be kept on record with the Imagine! ASD Program Coordinator. Supporting documentation of medical diagnosis should be mailed or faxed promptly to the ASD Program Coordinator. Eligibility is determined by Imagine! based upon the information submitted. Families will be notified when enrollment will take place. Currently, 20 individuals are enrolled each July. Enrolled families will be asked to submit a three-year plan for services. Upon receipt and review, families will then be given access to their personal online Consumer Center and have access to their allocated funds.

REGISTER FOR ASD PROGRAM

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Contact:  ASD Program Coordinator