FAQs

The Intellectual Disabilities program supports children ages 3 to 17 and adults ages 18 and up who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability or autism.

To have an intellectual disability means that:

• A person has a permanent condition that affects their ability to learn and function in daily life.
• A person's general intelligence and ability to function in daily life are significantly below average.
• A person was born with it or it began during their developmental period (before age 22).

Autism, also called Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disability that affects a person's social interaction, communication, and behavior.  Autism is something a person is either born with or develops during their developmental period (before age 22).

To get started, call us at 717-771-9618 and let the person you speak with know you are interested in getting Intellectual Disabilities, or ID, services.  Your call will be transferred to the intake / eligibility point person, who will ask you some questions such as your name, date of birth, contact information, and information about your condition and how it affects your daily life.  You may also be asked to schedule an intake appointment or submit paperwork that helps establish your eligibility for services.  Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the program.

To be eligible for services, you must have a diagnosis of autism or an intellectual disability with an IQ of 69 or below based on the results of objective standardized testing.  It is important that all testing be done before age 22.

Typically, any one of these three types of standardized tests can be used:

• IQ Test
• Autism Evaluation
• Adaptive Assessment

Here are some ideas when looking into standardized testing.  Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, just a way to help you get started.  Don't forget to ask providers about out-of-pocket expenses up front.

• Talk to your family doctor.  They may be able to help you find a provider or make a referral.
• Talk to your insurance carrier or check their website.  They may be able to help you find an in-network provider
• Behavioral Healthcare Consultants (located in York and Lancaster)
• Christopher Royer, Psy.D. (located in Mechanicsburg)
• Cognitive Health Solutions (located in Hanover)
• Providence Behavioral Health (located in Lancaster)
• Rost and Associates (located in York and Lancaster)
• WellSpan Health (multiple locations)

If you are determined eligible for services, you will be assigned to a supports coordinator.  Your supports coordinator will:

• Give you information on services, supports, and resources.
• Help develop an Individual Support Plan for you.
• Help you enroll in services.
• Help you get on a waiting list if certain services aren't available right away.
• Help apply for waiver.
• Help you enroll in community programs and supports.
• Coordinate and monitor your progress, services, and supports.

An Individual Support Plan, or ISP, outlines your goals and a plan to achieve them so that everyone involved with your services can help you reach those goals.

Waivers are government programs that help people live more independently at home and in their communities.  There are many types of waivers.  The requirements and services vary depending on what type of waiver it is.  Your supports coordinator can help you figure out which type will be most helpful to you.  You can also find information about waivers on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.