I was doing some further research and there is a phone number and an online link on the 'questions and answers' page of the birth to three website to start the process. According to everything I've seen, CT state reg under IDEA 2004 mandates a 45 day start of service from the initial referral. Hope this helps.
I've been very happy with special ed so far however, once the child turns school age the local district interpretations kick in. Some districts are better than others, that may be a determining factor for your sister.
What are the services like in Connecticut compared to other states? My nephew is 2 and does not have formal diagnosis yet but has been evaluated on the spectrum. They are in CA and contemplating a move to CT (all of their family is in the Northeast) but don't want to lose time since my nephew is just beginning his therapy and services and are concerned about having to get on wait-lists on this side of the country. How long does it take to get an evaluation, are in home services offered...etc.
here is the link to the Birth to Three Program in CT www.birth23.org
We moved to CT when my son was 8 so I didn't have any personal experience with the Birth to three progam. I do have friends that have been through the system and they have been very happy. You might also want to contact HARC
ARC of Hartford CT... they can provide you with the guidance that you need. Sorry I couldn't be of more help and Wish your family luck. CT is a great state to live in.
Thank you so much - all of that information is very helpful. I guess the general question would be have you had difficulty finding services and programs for special needs children in CT... I had a friend move to Maine because her son couldn't get the help he needed in VA. This is the decision my sister is facing...would she be moving to a state where she had to get on a 3 month wait list to be evaluated, then another wait list to get therapy...etc. She feels like she has the ball rolling in CA and is on a path and is afraid to get off for fear of losing precious time in her son's treatment...the flip side is she has no family support out in CA but would have plenty in the Northeast. Thank you again.
If anyone is in need of Support in CT, ASRC (Autism Spectrum Resource Center of Connecticut is a wonderful organization that connects families with the resources and parent support that we all need.
Here is the web address:
Iam a parent of a PDD child and I also co-facilitate the Danbury area group. I hope to hear from you