Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that there is a wide degree of variation in the way it affects people. Every child on the autism spectrum has unique abilities, symptoms, and challenges. Autism is not a single disorder, but a spectrum of closely related disorders with a shared core of symptoms. Every child on the autism spectrum has problems to some degree with social interaction, empathy, communication, and flexible behavior. But the level of disability and the combination of symptoms varies tremendously from person to person. In fact, two children with the same diagnosis may look very different when it comes to their behaviors and abilities. In order to determine whether your child has autism spectrum disorder or another developmental condition, clinicians look carefully at the way your child interacts with others.

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Children with diagnosed conditions that lead to developmental delays (such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, etc.) are eligible for the Early Intervention Program. Children with no diagnosis who have delays in development may be eligible for the EIP if their delays are serious enough.
 

If you are concerned that your child has an autism spectrum disorder and a developmental screening confirms the risk, ask your family doctor or pediatrician to refer you immediately to an autism specialist. I provide services in the child’s natural environment, which is generally the home but which may also be in a day care or another setting familiar and comfortable for the child. When early intervention services are delivered in child care settings or community locations that require a fee, the parent is responsible for paying any costs associated with access to such child care or community locations.

 

If a child is found eligible for the Early Intervention Program (EIP), all needed early intervention services are identified in collaboration with the parent and must be authorized by the municipality. You will be able to select the provider agency, or agencies, that will work with your child and family. potentially eligible children must be referred to the county program in New York City. All EIP services are free to parents. A child's eligibility can only be determined by evaluators under contract. All services must be authorized by the county. Your child’s health insurance may be used to cover some of the costs.

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