What To Expect
Ask for Easterseals
So you feel your child may be late hitting some developmental milestones and may need some support: First things first: Make an appointment with your child's pediatrician and share your concerns. Then, ask for a referral to Easterseals. Remember: You have a choice where your child goes for services. Easterseals has been creating life-changing solutions for children since 1937 and has a stellar reputation for quality of care and working closely with families so children can reach their fullest potential.
Set an Appointment
Once Easterseals receives your doctor's referral, you will be contacted by a representative from the appropriate department to set up an appointment for an Initial Evaluation.
Note about insurance: Easterseals accepts all insurances including private insurance, corporate insurance, Ohio Medicaid and West Virginia Medicaid. Self-pay also is available. Financial support may be available for those who fill out and submit the finanical support paperwork provided during intake. No one has ever been denied services at Easterseals for inability to pay.
----------------------------------------------------
The next steps depend on what services your child is referred for: Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Services, Medical Services or Autism Services.
Attend First Appointment: Intake and Initial Evaluation
The Initial Evaluation is when you will meet with the Social Worker for your child's intake process, including filling out some necessary paperwork to ensure everyone understands the policies and procedures: from privacy to insurance to appointment expectations to health history. Following that intake, you and your child will meet with the therapist for the Initial Evaluation.
Set Up a Service Schedule
The provider will discuss the evaluation results and next steps with you. If the therapist determines services are necessary, depending on the services required, they will develop an individualized treatment plan for your child. You then will be contacted within two weeks to set up an appointment schedule.
Keep Your Appointments
You are responsible for keeping your child's appointments. You will have the opportunity to sign up for automatic appointment reminders via text or email via an app that you set up yourself. Your child's success depends on regular attendance. Because of that, we have a strict attendance policy, which you will receive during intake. If you need help keeping your child's appointments, discuss your concerns with the social worker or your therapist.
Review the Plan Every 90 Days
Your therapist will note your child's progress after every therapy session. Approximately 90 days after the first session, the therapist will review the treatment plan with you and make any necessary adjustments. Reviews will take place approximately every 90 days until treatment ends.
Attend First Appointment: Intake and Initial Evaluation
At your first appointment, you will fill out necessary forms including medical history and privacy policies. The medical provider will conduct an Initial Evaluation.
Next Steps
Because of the many different reasons clients see our medical providers, the next steps will vary for each client. The provider may suggest therapy, medication, further evaluation, and/or a follow-up appointment.
For more information, visit our Medical Services page under Areas of Support.
See our Autism Services under Areas of Support for more information on this process.
