Finding support for kids and teens with special needs: Where to start

In a world that can feel like it is built for one type of learning style, there’s a lot to manage when your child or teen has a unique physical, emotional, or developmental need. It’s a big challenge to navigate public school systems, accommodations, and health care appointments all at the same time.

You are not alone in this. Your child’s doctor, school, and health plan all have something to offer to help them learn, grow, and be kids.

This article will give you an overview of who can help and how. We have also included helpful resources from other community organizations who may offer support too.

Talk to your child’s doctor

Your child’s routine well-child checkup is a great place to start if you think they might be facing challenges at school or childcare.

Did you know? After 3 years of age, well-child visits are recommended each year. Before 3 years, doctors recommend well-child visits more often. On our website, you can view the recommended well-child visit schedule.

At a well-child visit, in addition to checking your child’s overall health, their primary care provider also tracks how your child is growing, learning, and adapting over time.

This visit is also for you to ask questions and talk about any concerns you may have.

During a well-child checkup your child’s doctor can:

Do screenings to look for signs of any future issues with hearing, vision, or development.
Provide referrals for additional testing if they see signs of learning or social differences or have concerns about your child’s mental health.
Connect you to specialist services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or mental health care.

Work with the school

If you think your child might have a disability, may need accommodations or specialized instruction, you can ask your school district for an evaluation. Talk with your child’s teacher or school counselor. You don’t need a medical diagnosis to request an evaluation.

How your school district may be able to help:

Test for special education eligibility. Special education gives extra support to help kids learn alongside their peers and succeed at school. Related services you may get with special education also support parents, like safe transportation to school.
Offer an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan. These agreements help protect kids and teens at school who need more support. They also help schools better understand and remember a student’s specific needs.
Arrange to provide support services at school. Depending on needs, schools may offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, counseling, and other supports at school.

Check with your health plan

If you have health insurance, your health plan may cover health services your child needs outside of school. Your health plan can also help you find a primary care doctor for your child.

Some health insurance plans also offer case management services. Case Managers may be able to help you connect to specialist care and find local social services.

If you’re a Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) member, our Care Management team can work with you to find the health services and programs that best fit your family’s needs.

CHPW Case Managers also help with referrals to specialists, scheduling appointments, and finding other support – like transportation to medical appointments.

Your health plan’s customer service team may also be able to help you find in-network providers or check if a service is covered by your health plan.

Connect with community organizations

Many community organizations provide resources, parent support groups, and help for parents and their kids.

Here are a few Washington State-based organizations who may be able to help:

PAVE helps parents and families understand special education, navigate IEP and 504 plans, access community services, and support children at home and in the community.
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) provides free confidential services for families. They can answer questions about public school processes and make referrals to needed resources.
The Arc of Washington Parent to Parent (P2P) Support Network connects those parenting kids with developmental disabilities or special health care needs to peer support and information.
The Washington Autism Alliance’s Family Navigation team helps people with developmental disabilities and their families access the health and educational services they need to thrive.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) offers services for children and youth with developmental disabilities, like help at home, school support, and planning for life after high school.

“Our team is here to walk alongside families as they navigate finding care and support for their child. We are committed to making sure no family feels alone.” – Belinda S., CHPW Case Manager

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Your child’s doctor, school, health plan, and community organizations are here to help. Each person you include can offer different kinds of help as your child grows and learns in their own way.

More support for parents

CHPW Virtual Care

Sometimes we all need someone to talk to. If you are a CHPW member, you can get same-week talk therapy sessions through CHPW Virtual Care powered by MDLive.

If there’s a copay for you based on your plan type, you will be able to see it before you schedule.