Making Ends Meet

Mental Health and Support

In the last two months, you've become a full-time teacher and therapist in addition to your usual caregiving responsibilities.   Maybe you're trying to balance these new tasks along with the challenges of working remotely, and/or trying to keep things calm and under control while your partner works from home.   And many of the usual stress relievers - dropping the kids off at grandma's, going out for dinner and a movie, or getting together with friends - are off limits for now.   No matter what your situation, this is a challenging and difficult time.  



Fortunately, community mental health providers and organizations have risen to the challenge and are offering virtual ways to help.  If you are struggling to deal with your feelings, or if you just need a listening ear, please reach out for help and support.    Remember, if you feel overwhelmed, hopeless or have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  

CLICK HERE for some general information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on coping with stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is offering a toll-free 24/7 support hotline for anyone experiencing anxiety, distress, fear or worry related to COVID-19.  Please see below for more information.
 

 

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is also offering a toll-free COVID-19 mental health support line.  Call  833-986-1919 to speak with a mental health professional for help dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression.

The National Fragile X Foundation is offering a wealth of resources for families.  CLICK HERE for a link to a video from Dr. Marcia Braden, a Colorado clinical psychologist, on ways to help people with Fragile X syndrome through this crisis.   

CLICK HERE for information about the online support groups and educational programs available through NAMI-Texas for caregivers of people with mental illness.

Upcoming Programs and Opportunities: 
 

CLICK HERE for access to a free online behavior management programs for parents. Parenting with Love and Logic is an evidence base behavioral training program that teaches parents strategies they can use at home to increase positive behaviors, while decreasing problem behaviors. This program is video-based and self-paced!!
($99 value - FREE through the end of April!)

ACT Early Texas! is seeking parents and early childhood caregivers of young children (between 1 month and 66 months of age) in the Houston area to participate in a 2 hour focus group to give feedback on an online developmental screening tool being used across the state of Texas.  You must have a reliable Internet connection and access to a quiet space to participate in the group.   CLICK HERE if you are interested!  

CLICK HERE for more information on a research opportunity offering treatment for children ages 7-13 years old with Autism and anxiety. Participants must reside in Texas, both parents must speak English, and your child must be able to communicate verbally. 

          Lynn Hana (Coordinator) 
          anxietyandASD@bcm.edu
          713-798-8563
 

See the information and links below for ongoing educational programs being offered  by various community organizations:

GiGi's Playhouse, an enrichment program for people of all ages with Down syndrome, is now offering live and on demand virtual programming through its GiGi's at Home initiative.  CLICK HERE for information about how to get connected!

Crimestoppers is offering a number of virtual safety-related programs for children, teens and adults, including education on cyber safety, bullying prevention, and dating violence.   CLICK HERE for the current program schedule and registration information.

 CLICK HERE for information on programs through Partners Resource Network on various topics including special education services, transition, in-home education, and parenting tips.

 CLICK HERE for information on "Gathering of Shared Interventions and Resources for Learning Differences," an open forum. 

General Resource Information
 

CLICK HERE to obtain a free children's book explaining the coronavirus and answering questions commonly asked by elementary school-aged children.

Looking for a fun way surprise your child during this crisis?   The Causeplay Alliance Project is accepting requests to provide a 2-minute personalized video greeting for your child from their favorite character or superhero!   CLICK HERE to find more information on the group's Facebook page.  

Do you have a hard time finding child care for your child with complex medical needs?   Joycare Pediatric Day Health Center is offering a summer camp/child care program for medically complex children ages 6 weeks to 20 years.  CLICK HERE for more information.

CLICK HERE to learn more about a $2,500 college scholarship opportunity for young people with autism and/or a learning disability.  Application deadline is July 1, 2020.

CLICK HERE for COVID_19 resource information for Texas resources from Mountain States Regional Genetics Network for those impacted by Genetic Conditions. 

Medicaid Coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
 

We have received many inquiries from families regarding Medicaid coverage of ABA in Texas. As many of you know, as of September 2019, Medicaid was required to begin covering ABA therapy in Texas. However, that coverage has not been rolled out yet as many of the administrative details are still being worked out. The anticipated roll-out date was late spring or summer; however, due to the current public health concerns the start date will likely be later than previously expected. 

We will continue to monitor the progress regarding Medicaid coverage of ABA and will post updates in this newsletter as they develop. 
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Cobertura de Medicaid para la terapia de análisis conductual aplicado (ABA)

Hemos recibido muchas preguntas de las familias sobre cuándo Medicaid comenzará a cubrir la terapia ABA. Primero, pensamos que la cobertura comenzaría a fines de la primavera o el verano. Lamentablemente, esta fecha puede retrasarse debido a los problemas actuales de salud pública con COVID_19.

Siga revisando aquí ya que publicaremos las actualizaciones que recibamos en este boletín.