Caring for a child with autism is full-time work. In New York City, families have several ways to get trained help at home. Here’s how it works with Helping Hands Attendant Services.
Option 1: Home care through your child’s Medicaid HMO
If your child has Medicaid, their health plan can approve home care hours after a nurse assessment. This is often the fastest way to start, even before OPWDD.
Option 2: Services through OPWDD
Children found eligible by the NY Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) can access home care plus speech, physical and occupational therapy, respite, community habilitation and family support services. We help you apply and gather the paperwork.
Option 3: A relative becomes the paid aide
Parents can’t be the paid aide, but a grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, cousin or family friend can take free HHA training, get certified and care for your child through Helping Hands.
What a pediatric aide helps with
- Daily routines: bathing, dressing, feeding and toileting
- Sensory and play-based activities
- School routines and homework
- Safe outings and travel to therapy
- Respite so parents can rest or work
How it works
- Reach out at (718) 435-8191. We check Medicaid, OPWDD or HMO coverage.
- Nurse assessment of your child at home.
- Hours approved.
- Your child gets care from a Helping Hands aide or a relative after free training.
Care can start in a few days to about a month, depending on approvals. We serve Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and Nassau County.
Talk to a pediatric care coordinator
Call (718) 435-8191 or see our Pediatric Home Care page.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicaid cover home care for a child with autism?
Often, yes, through OPWDD services or the child’s Medicaid health plan (HMO) once care is approved.
Do we need OPWDD first?
No. If your child is not on OPWDD, they can often get home care through their Medicaid HMO while you apply.
Can grandma be paid to care for my autistic child?
Yes. A grandparent or other relative who is not a parent can take free HHA training and become the paid aide through Helping Hands.
What will the aide do?
Help with daily routines, feeding, dressing and bathing, sensory and play-based activities, school routines and outings, and give parents a break.
