Autism-Related Resources

1. ABA Provider Database: A comprehensive database of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers in South Carolina for individuals with autism spectrum disorder https://ddsn.sc.gov/sites/ddsn/files/PublicDocuments/ABA%20Providers.xlsx

2. Able SC: a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, resources, and support to empower individuals with disabilities, including autism, to live independently and inclusively https://www.able-sc.org/

3. Attachment and Biobehavioral Catchup: A specialized intervention program that supports caregivers in nurturing secure attachments with infants and young children with autism.  https://www.scimha.org/ABC-intervention

4. BabyNet: South Carolina’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers, including those with autism, provides services and support to enhance their development and well-being. https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/programs-and-initiatives/babynet

5. Big Red Safety Box: A program offering safety resources, tools, and educational materials to families with autistic children to help prevent and respond to emergency situations. https://nationalautismassociation.org/big-red-safety-box/

6. Center for Disability Resources Library Books, videos, brochures, and audiotapes covering a variety of disability-related topics. https://uscmed.sc.libguides.com/cdrlibrary

7. Circle of Security A program which helps caregiver connect with the children in their lives by reflecting on children’s attachment needs in order to promote secure attachment with a child. tstenson@scimha.org

8. Community Choices Waiver: A Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that provides support and services to individuals 18+ with autism and other disabilities to live in their communities and avoid institutionalization. https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/waivers/community-choices-cc-waiver

9. Community Supports Waiver: A Medicaid HCBS waiver offered by SC DDSN that provides comprehensive services and supports to individuals with autism and intellectual or related disabilities. https://ddsn.sc.gov/services/medicaid-home-and-community-based-waiver-services/community-supports-waiver

10. Continuum of Care: South Carolina’s statewide system provides coordinated and comprehensive services for individuals with autism, ensuring a continuum of care throughout their lifespan. COC manages the Palmetto Coordinated System of Care Waiver which assists individuals 0-18 diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness in addition to autism. https://coc.sc.gov/

11. Disability Rights: An advocacy organization promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, including autism, to ensure equal opportunities and inclusion. https://www.disabilityrightssc.org/

12. Family Connection: A Support network providing resources, education, and connections to families of individuals with autism to foster understanding and navigate the journey. https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/

13. First 5 SC: An early childhood initiative focused on supporting the healthy development of young children, including those with autism, during their critical first five years. https://first5sc.org/

14. Health Insurance Premium Payment Program: A program assisting families of individuals with autism in South Carolina in paying for health insurance premiums to ensure access to essential services. https://www.scdhhs.gov/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp

15. Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities (ID/RD) Waiver: A Medicaid HCBS waiver provided by SC DDSN that offers an array of services and supports to individuals with autism and intellectual or related disabilities to help them live independently and improve their quality of life. https://ddsn.sc.gov/services/medicaid-home-and-community-based-waiver-services/intellectual-disability-and-related

16. Low Country Autism Foundation: A nonprofit organization offering comprehensive support, education, and resources to individuals with autism and their families in the Lowcountry region. https://www.lafinc.org/

17. Medically Complex Children’s Waiver: A waiver program administered by SC Medicaid that provides specialized services and supports for medically complex children with autism and other significant medical needs, allowing them to receive care at home or in the community. https://www.scdhhs.gov/sites/default/files/MCC%20Waiver%20Flyer%2010.3.19%20Final.pdf

18. Mobile Crisis: A DMH crisis response program providing immediate assistance and support for individuals with autism experiencing mental health crises. https://scdmh.net/dmh-components/community-mental-health-services/programs/mobile-crisis/

19. MUSC Developmental Pediatrics: Specializes in providing comprehensive support and care for children with autism, promoting their developmental well-being and enhancing their quality of life. 135 Rutledge Avenue MSC 567, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-878-1511.

20. MUSC PCIT: A telehealth-based Parent-Child Interaction Therapy program offered by the Medical University of South Carolina to support families of children with autism and Medicaid in enhancing their relationship and social skills. https://musckids.org/our-services/developmental-behavioral-services/research/tele-pcit

21. Office of Special Education: South Carolina’s office is dedicated to ensuring the provision of quality special education services and supports to students with disabilities, including autism. https://ed.sc.gov/about/ccr/office-of-special-education-services/

22. ORS Free Communication Devices: A program that offers free communication devices to individuals with autism and other disabilities to facilitate communication and independence. https://scedp.sc.gov/services/apply-now

23. Palmetto ABLE Savings Program: Allows individuals with disabilities, including autism, the opportunity to save and invest money while maintaining eligibility for important needs-based benefits. https://treasurer.sc.gov/what-we-do/for-citizens/able-savings-program/

24. PRISMA Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (Formally known as Greenville Healthcare System). Specializes in providing comprehensive support and care for children with autism, promoting their developmental well-being and enhancing their quality of life. Suite A-200, 200 Patewood Drive, Greenville, SC 29615. 864-454-5115.

25. Project Lifesaver: A program that utilizes tracking technology to aid in the timely location and rescue of individuals with autism or related conditions who may wander or become lost.  https://projectlifesaver.org/

26. Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities: Offer specialized residential care for individuals with autism, providing comprehensive mental health services, therapeutic interventions, and support in a structured environment to promote their emotional well-being and behavioral development. https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/programs-and-initiatives/behavioral-health-services/medicaid-psychiatric-residential

27. Rehabilitative Behavioral Health Services: A SC Medicaid program that encompasses a range of evidence-based interventions and therapies (Family Support, Behavior Modification, Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Family Therapy) that can be tailored to individuals with autism and a co-morbid mental health diagnosis to enhance their functional abilities, social skills, and overall well-being. https://www.scdhhs.gov/private-rbhs-provider-directory

28. SC Assistive Technology Program: A program that promotes access to assistive technology devices and services, including those beneficial for individuals with autism, to enhance independence and quality of life. https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/centers_and_institutes_new/center_for_disability_resources/assistive_technology/

29. SC DMH: The South Carolina Department of Mental Health, provides mental health services and resources, including support for individuals with a mental health diagnosis in addition to autism and their families. Individuals must have a consistent form of communication. https://scdmh.net/

30. SC DSS: The South Carolina Department of Social Services, offers various support programs and resources, including those beneficial for individuals with autism and their families. https://dss.sc.gov/ For information regarding special needs childcare vouchers please contact SpecialNeeds@dss.sc.gov.

31. SC Medicaid: South Carolina’s Medicaid program, provides healthcare coverage and support services to eligible individuals, including those with autism. https://www.scdhhs.gov/

32. SC Parents: An online resources and support platform for parents and caregivers of children with autism, offering information, resources, and community connections. https://scparents.org/

33. SC Respite Coalition: Offers a Respite Voucher Program designed to support families and caregivers of individuals with autism by providing temporary relief through respite care services, promoting their overall well-being and capacity to continue caring for their loved ones. https://www.screspitecoalition.org/programs-services/respite-voucher-program/

34. SC Voc Rehab: The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, assists individuals with disabilities, including autism, in obtaining and maintaining employment. https://scvrd.net/

35. Statewide Independent Living Counsel: An organization advocating for the rights and independent living of individuals with disabilities, including autism, in South Carolina. https://scsilc.com/wp/

36. Strengthening Families Program: A program providing evidence-based strategies and resources to strengthen family relationships and promote positive outcomes for children, including those with autism. https://search.scparents.org/v2/favorites/public/strengthening-families-program

37. Triple P: Positive Parenting Program is a research-based parenting program offering strategies and support to parents of children with autism to promote their social and emotional development. https://search.scparents.org/v2/favorites/public/positive-parent-program-triple-p-

38. USC School of Medicine, Developmental Pediatrics: Specializes in providing comprehensive support and care for children with autism, promoting their developmental well-being and enhancing their quality of life. 9 Richland Medical Park Suite 210, Columbia, SC 29203. 803-434-6598.

For more information or assistance please contact the Autism Division Director:

Stephanie Turner, LMSW, MPH, BCBA

Stephanie.Turner@ddsn.sc.gov

803-898-9639

3440 Harden Street Extension, Columbia, SC 29203