Elaine Said:

Parents of children with PDD-NOS or AUTISM: What kinds of things should I be doing for my 5 year old son?

We Answered:

If you reside in the US, he should have an IEP in place. Every 3 years it is required for them to be re-evaluated by the school to see if he stills meets the requirements set forth by IDEA, the re-evaluation can be done sooner per parents or teachers request. Once a year they must also review his IEP to see how he is doing with short/long term goals, therpies etc and adjust as needed to suit him, this review can be done sooner also as per parent or teachers request. During these reviews his therapist should be there going over previos goals, how he did, new goals and so on. They will let you know when they feel he no longer needs it, same with the ABA therapist, it depends on each individual has to how much, what type of therpay and how long they'll need it for. One of the things they always must consider is the least restrictive enviroment whioch means to the fully extent they must be eduacted with their peers without disabilities, so when he gets older, yes he may still have an IEP but he may be in mainstream classes rather than special ed classes or have a combination of both.

If he does have an IEP when he gets older they have what is called
Transition Services. Transition refers to activities meant to prepare students with disabilities for adult life. This can include developing postsecondary education and career goals, getting work experience while still in school, setting up linkages with adult service providers such as the vocational rehabilitation agency--whatever is appropriate for the student, given his or her interests, preferences, skills, and needs. Statements about the student’s transition needs must be included in the IEP after the student reaches a certain age:

Transition planning, for students beginning at age 14 (and sometimes younger)--involves helping the student plan his or her courses of study (such as advanced placement or vocational education) so that the classes the student takes will lead to his or her post-school goals.

Transition services, for students beginning at age 16 (and sometimes younger)--involves providing the student with a coordinated set of services to help the student move from school to adult life. Services focus upon the student’s needs or interest in such areas as: higher education or training, employment, adult services, independent living, or taking part in the community.

I don't know about the camp you mentioned but you may want to check into Hole in the Wall Camps, http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org
They have a variety of special needs camps throughout the US and worldwide. You may also want to check with your local/state park districtor even look into national parks.

Jean Said:

How do I apply for Medicaid as secondary insurance? If so, how does it work? Are there income levels?

We Answered:

There are strict income restrictions, check with your local welfare office to see if you qualify.