IDD Services
Overview of IDD Services
Tri-County’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) program is here to support you. Our Case Managers work with individuals who have intellectual disabilities or related conditions. We help you figure out what you need, connect you to services, and make sure you get the support to live your best life.
Services Offered
Case Management Services
Case Management Services help connect individuals to care and services they need, like medical, social, and educational support. This includes planning for care, checking in on progress, and organizing different services. Our goal is to make sure you have access to the right services for your needs.
Continuity of Care Services
Continuity of Care Services help individuals smoothly transition between different care settings, such as from Tri-County to State Facilities. This could include assisting with moving into a state-supported living center or finding a new home in the community for someone leaving a State School. The goal is to ensure that the individual continues to receive the care and support they need during these transitions.
Respite Services
Respite services provide short-term care for individuals who need ongoing supervision, giving their primary caregiver a break. This allows caregivers to rest or take care of other tasks, knowing their loved one is being looked after. Families choose the caregiver and provide them with the necessary information to care for the individual. The number of respite hours is based on available funding and the individual’s care plan, especially for those in the Texas Home Living program.
Day Habilitation (Life Skills) Programs
Training is provided at Day Habilitation (Life Skills) sites and at community settings. Individuals participate in activities designed to enhance or develop skills specific to their needs and interests. Opportunities include grooming, communication, social interactions, domestic skills, academic skills, pre-vocational, job readiness, and age appropriate recreational and leisure activities that enhance self-esteem.
Community Support Services
Community Support Services help people live in their community, with family, or on their own. We work with each individual to understand their needs and help them learn or improve everyday skills at home and in the community. This includes things like personal hygiene, moving around, managing money, shopping, speaking up for themselves, enjoying hobbies, taking medications, and using special equipment.
IDD Crisis Services
Crisis interventions specialists train groups and providers to work with persons with IDD
who are at risk of needing crisis services. This the CIS helps persons access crisis respite and develop
crisis prevention plans. The CIS also works with the local mobile outreach team (MCOT) during crisis
events.
Who qualifies for IDD services?
Our staff psychologists decide if someone qualifies based on HHSC guidelines. To qualify, a person must have one of these diagnoses:
-
Intellectual Disability
- IQ of 69 or below
- Difficulty with everyday skills (like communication, self-care, and social skills)
- Began before age 18
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Has difficulty with social communication and interactions
- Shows repetitive behaviors or limited interests
-
Related Condition
- Diagnosed before age 22, with major delays in three or more daily activities
- Likely to continue throughout life
- IQ of 75 or lower, or moderate to severe difficulty with everyday skills
Getting Started with IDD Services
The process for IDD (Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities) services at TCBHC can begin in two ways:
- You can get a referral from a community organization or agency.
- Or you can contact TCBHC directly if you or a loved one are interested in IDD services.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To begin the process, IDD Authority Support Staff will ask for documents needed for a first evaluation. These may include:
- Proof of Diagnosis (choose one):
- Psychological Assessment: A report from a licensed psychologist showing results from intelligence and daily living skills tests. Look for terms like “Full Scale I.Q.,” “Intellectual Disability,” or “Developmental Disability,” and the age when it started.
- School or Medical Records: Examples include FIE (Full Individual Evaluation), ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal), or a letter from a school district confirming special education services.
- Proof of Health Insurance:
- A copy of your private insurance card (front and back), or
- Medicaid or Medicare documentation.
Step 2: Contact TCBHC IDD
- To begin, call 936-521-6200 (TCBHC’s main line) and ask to be transferred to an IDD Authority Support Staff.
Step 3: The Assessment Process
Once have your documents, here’s what happens next:
- Review by a Psychologist: Our psychologist will review your documents and determine how long the evaluation will take (usually 1 to 4 hours).
- Schedule an Appointment: We will contact you to set up the evaluation. During this, our psychologist will determine if you or your loved one qualify for IDD services.
- Service Start Appointment: If you qualify, we’ll schedule your intake appointment to begin receiving support and services.
Step 4: Case Manager Assessment
Once you’re enrolled, we’ll assign a Case Manager to help guide you through your new services and support you along the way.
Questions?
If you have any questions about IDD Services or getting started, please call 936-521-6228 or 936-521-6203.
Autism Services (CAP)
What is ABA?
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a proven therapy that helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learn language, develop important skills, and reduce behaviors that make learning difficult. In the CAP program, children receive ABA therapy, guided by a licensed expert. Parents and staff work together to help children learn and play at home, school, and other places.
Focused ABA Treatment
CAP helps children with autism by using ABA therapy to reduce challenging behaviors and improve social and everyday skills. The therapy is personalized based on the child’s needs, which are determined through parent interviews and assessments. A trained therapist provides treatment under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.
CAP Services
- Children receive an average of 30 hours of therapy each month.
- Up to 180 hours of therapy per year, based on the child’s needs.
- The maximum therapy hours for a child’s lifetime is 720 hours.
- Parents/Caregivers participate in 2 hours of training each month.
- Teachers can visit the program to see how therapy works and help children use their skills in the classroom.
CAP Eligibility Requirements
- A diagnosed autism spectrum disorder by a qualified professional.
- Children aged 3 to 15 (services end when the child turns 16).
- Must be a Texas resident.
Service Cost
Families pay a monthly cost based on a financial assessment. If the family has insurance that covers ABA therapy, the insurance will be billed first.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
For information about HCS, please click here
PreAdmission, Screening and Resident Review (PASRR)
PASRR is a federal program that ensures individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities are placed in appropriate settings when entering Medicaid-certified nursing homes. It also determines if they need additional supports, called “specialized services,” while there.
PASRR Specialized Services include:
- Habilitation Service Coordination: Professional support to plan and manage services.
- Individual Skills and Socialization (ISS): Group programs teaching life skills like communication and daily tasks.
- Independent Living Skills: Training for skills like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting.
- Durable Medical Equipment: Items like wheelchairs or hearing aids to improve daily life.
- Habilitative Therapies: Therapy to develop or regain everyday skills (e.g., physical, speech, or occupational therapy).
- Mental Health Supports: Services tailored for individuals with mental illness.
These services help individuals live more independently and receive the support they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD)?
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are a group of conditions that affect thinking, learning, and daily tasks. It can start before age 18 for intellectual disabilities and before age 22 for developmental disabilities, lasting throughout life. People with IDD may have difficulty with speaking, moving, learning, and taking care of themselves, but can still live fulfilling lives with support.
How do I get started?
Start with a referral or by contacting TCBHC directly. Provide the required documents (e.g., psychological assessment, school records, proof of insurance). Our psychologist will review them and schedule an evaluation. If eligible, a Case Manager will assist you with services. For more details, visit our IDD Intake and Access page.
How can I get my family member tested?
If your family member is school-aged, you can request testing through their school by submitting a written request. We can also test school-aged individuals, but keep in mind that the school may not accept our testing results. If our psychologist determines that testing is needed, we will work with your family to schedule it, and the testing will be provided at no cost to you.
What services do you offer for children with autism?
We offer a program called CAP for children ages 3 to 15 who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This program helps children improve their language skills, learn daily living skills, and reduce behaviors that make learning difficult. Our trained therapists work closely with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst to provide the best care for your child.
What services does Tri-County offer for individuals with IDD?
Tri-County provides services that help individuals live independently at home or with their family. These services include job support, learning how to cook, shop, and manage household tasks, as well as teaching daily living skills. We offer programs in both group settings and one-on-one support, depending on what works best for each person.
For more details, visit our IDD Services page.
Where can I get counseling or medication services for individuals with IDD?
Tri-County doesn’t offer counseling or medication services, but we can help you find other resources if needed.
How do I start the process of placement?
If you or a family member need placement, call our placement assistance line at 936-521-6228 or 936-521-6203. A staff member from our Continuity of Care Unit will then assist you with the next steps to guide you through the placement process.
How do I find out who my Case Manager is?
To find out, call us at 936-521-6228 or 936-521-6203. Our team will provide you with the information you need.
How often will I meet with my Case Manager?
You can meet with your Case Manager either once a month or once every three months. How often you meet depends on how much help you need and how involved your Case Manager needs to be. They will help decide what works best for you.
What is Respite?
Respite is a program that helps primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities by covering the cost of temporary care. The caregiver must find their own provider, and the program reimburses them for the expenses. It’s designed to give caregivers a short break while ensuring the individual still receives care.
How many Respite hours can I receive?
The number of respite hours you can receive may change over time. Your Case Manager can provide you with the current amount of respite hours available to you.
What is the Individual Skills and Socialization (ISS) program?
The Individual Skills and Socialization (ISS) Program helps individuals with disabilities develop the skills needed for greater independence. Tri-County offers this program in a group setting at its Lifeskills programs. Each person is assessed, and a personalized plan is created to identify the skills they need to work on. The ISS Program is typically available Monday through Friday.
What services does PASRR provide in Nursing Facilities?
PASRR helps with services like personal care, job support, behavior support, and training to help people live independently.
How do I avoid admitting to a Nursing Facility?
Contact the PASRR Department or Diversion Coordinator at 936-521-6200 to learn how you might avoid being placed in a Nursing Facility.
What if I don’t want to stay in a Nursing Facility after being admitted?
If you’re admitted and don’t want to stay, contact the Habilitative Coordinator or ECC to find out how to move out of the Nursing Facility.
What should I do if I need to go to a Nursing Facility?
Contact the PASRR Department to understand the steps you need to take before admission, including your evaluations and choosing a facility.
Are there other Interest lists for individuals with IDD?
Yes, there are other Medicaid Waiver Interest lists such as Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP), Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), and STAR+ Waiver. To be added to these interest lists, please call HHSC at 1-877-438-5658.
How do I apply for Medicaid or SSI?
If you’re not already a Tri-County client, you can apply for Medicaid online at yourtexasbenefits.com. For SSI, contact your local Social Security office. If you are a Tri-County client, ask your case manager for help.
Additional Resources
