BCL Family Support Center

07/30/2025

07/30/2025

Visit the New Bedford Main Library's Youth Services throughout August!


New Bedford Public Schools
Greater New Bedford Youth Alliance

07/29/2025

07/29/2025

07/26/2025

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

“Dear Guru,

My child who has autism was referred for IHT, or in-home therapy.

I called two providers and was told he isn’t eligible because his primary diagnosis is autism.

I am confused…what does this mean?”

Dear Confused,

IHT is one of the CBHI/behavioral health benefits offered through MassHealth for youth through age 21. IHT works with the whole family, not just the referred individual, by providing intensive family therapy to assist families in overcoming past trauma and coping with symptoms of mental health conditions.

It is a service for an individual whose primary diagnosis is due to a mental health condition and not autism. For individuals with autism, it is recommended they seek out IHBT which is called in-home behavioral therapy. This is behavior-based and can provide the therapy individuals with autism and their families need when in crisis.

The two-benefits sound similar so it can be confusing when you are trying to get help for your loved one.

Please note: you cannot have both ABA and IHBT at the same time. If your child is receiving ABA, he or she cannot also receive IHBT. Vice versa if you child is receiving IHBT, you must wait until the therapy is finished before he or she receives ABA.

Reminder:

I am the Autism Insurance Guru and every week (or as often as I can) I answer your autism insurance related questions here on the AIRC’s page. My advice and wisdom come from years of experience dealing with autism insurance in Massachusetts, but please note anything I share is NOT intended to be legal or medical advice. I will post answers to questions that are submitted.

If you would like your autism insurance related questions answered by the Guru, please send them via email to AIRC@umassmed.edu with the subject line "Insurance Guru".

The Guru is happy to hear from you!

07/26/2025

Join us for our monthly Housing Options Workshop on Thursday, July 17th from 1-2 pm!

We will be presenting on the application process for affordable and subsidized housing in Massachusetts.

Click here to sign up: www.tinyurl.com/HOWaug25

07/21/2025

The Lurie Center for Autism invites you to join Amy Levitan, LICSW, and Julie O'Brien, MEd, LMHC, on Wednesday, August 20th, at 6:30pm, for a presentation on understanding and planning for your child's care when you are no longer able to provide it. The discussion will include creating a vision for your child's future, key steps in the decision-making process, important considerations in medical and legal planning, and successor guardianship.

Registration is required: https://conta.cc/4lWqaRF

07/21/2025

07/21/2025

Come down to the library on Wednesday, July 23rd at 10:30 AM for some stories and free frozen treats - featuring Liz from The Oxcart! No registration necessary. This will be outside on the grass!