Accessing autism services is made easier with Liberty Resources Home Choices. We partner with the Office of Development Programs (ODP) at the Department of Human Services to bring a wide array of autism home support services. Our goal is for all individuals to enjoy equal access to many opportunities in the Philadelphia metro and eastern Pennsylvania areas. Here, we discuss the support services for autism spectrum disorder we offer, sponsored and promoted by ODP.
What Is Autism?
Autism, better referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompasses a wide range of physiological conditions that manifest through challenges with interpersonal skills, habits, and communication. Each individual diagnosed with this spectrum disorder experiences unique difficulties and strengths.
What Autism Services Are Available Through ODP?
Pennsylvania’s ODP oversees a wide range of services for those with an intellectual and developmental disability, including autism support services. To be eligible for such services, individuals must be diagnosed with ASD or another intellectual disability, using the results of standardized tests administered by state-licensed medical professionals. Conditions must either be present at birth or before the individual’s twenty-second birthday to qualify for ODP.
Once registered with ODP, individuals can take advantage of different programs and waivers carried out by participating healthcare agencies across the state. These agencies offer a wide variety of ODP-sponsored support for those with intellectual or physical disabilities, as well as autism, such as:
Skill Building
Skill building is a vital service ODP promotes through its Adult Autism Waiver. This waiver is available for qualifying people with autism and provides them with the ability to participate in skills training classes to learn important information like money management, American Sign Language, and self-advocacy.
Community Support
ODP’s Adult Autism Waiver also covers transportation services and community support where participants can gather with social groups, play games, partake in shared activities, and practice interpersonal skills. Participating in the community is scientifically shown to sharpen cognitive skills and give a sense of joy and life affirmation.
Respite Care
ODP also promotes respite care services for the caregivers of autistic participants. This allows caregivers a short-term or longer reprieve from assisting the loved one. Caregivers are given time to relax and recharge, tend to their families and personal appointments, or go on vacation. This support enables caregivers to regain energy and avoid burnout.
Homemaking and Chores
Autistic participants also can benefit from homemaking and house chore services sponsored by ODP. These individuals can get help to maintain their home space, keeping it safe and sanitary. Some homemaking chores include:
- Light dusting
- Changing linens and dressing beds
- Laundry
- Kitchen wipe-down and dishwashing
- Vacuuming
- Dusting
- Rubbish removal
Lifestyle Support Services
Another home support service for those with autism is lifestyle support. Under the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP) of ODP, participants can receive in-home support with daily and weekly tasks, such as meal preparation, to have well-rounded and nutritious meals. They also can receive activity and exercise assistance, help with light housekeeping, laundry and linen changing, and transportation to appointments, social engagements, grocery shopping, and other errands.
Personal Care
Sometimes participants may need closer care and attention. For that, ODP provides in-home personal care to help with personal grooming and bathing, incontinence, medication reminders, and home safety and fall prevention.
For years, Pennsylvania’s ODP has been offering a variety of holistic health services for those with autism. These are meant to enable qualifying individuals to have equal access to personal and professional opportunities that enhance their ability to thrive.
Obtain ODP Services From Liberty Resources Home Choices
For over four decades, Liberty Resources Home Choices has provided reliable and compassionate in-home personal services to the Philadelphia, PA, metro area and Lehigh Valley. We partner with the state’s ODP to provide an extensive list of autism services to participants, allowing them to maintain autonomy, confidence, and dignity. To learn how we can help you and your loved one with autism or other disabilities, contact us today.
