Autism and Medical Needs
In-Home Support for Children With Autism in Georgia
Calm, routine-friendly nursing and personal care at home for autistic children who also live with complex medical needs, arranged through the Georgia Pediatric Program when the state approves it.
Enrolled GAPP Provider
College Park, Georgia
0-21
Ages GAPP covers
01 / Start here
Does Autism Qualify a Child for GAPP?
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Georgia Medicaid program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), that provides in-home skilled nursing and personal care support for medically fragile children ages 0-21.
An autism diagnosis on its own does not automatically qualify a child. GAPP looks at medical necessity, documented by the child’s physician. A child with autism who also has medical needs that call for skilled nursing or hands-on daily care may qualify. The state makes the final decision after reviewing a prior authorization request sent by an enrolled GAPP agency such as SLB In-Home Care.
The child must also be Medicaid eligible, either directly or through the Katie Beckett (TEFRA) pathway, which looks at the child’s own income and resources instead of the parents’.
02 / Common situations
Medical Needs That May Point to GAPP
These are examples of conditions that often appear alongside autism and can create a documented need for skilled or hands-on care. Your child’s doctor decides what applies.
01
Seizures or Epilepsy
Frequent or hard-to-control seizures that need trained monitoring, rescue medication and careful records.
02
Feeding Tubes
G-tube or other tube feeding, often linked to severe feeding challenges or poor growth.
03
Complex Medications
Several daily medications or treatments that must be given on time and watched for side effects.
04
Breathing Conditions
Airway or respiratory needs such as oxygen, suctioning or a tracheostomy.
05
Hands-On Daily Care
Help with bathing, toileting, feeding and mobility that goes well beyond what is typical for the child’s age.
06
Safety Supervision
Close supervision tied to a medical condition, such as risk of injury during seizures.
03 / What it looks like
What Care Can Look Like for an Autistic Child
Every plan follows physician orders and the hours the state approves. Within that plan, our licensed RNs, LPNs and personal care aides work to fit care around how your child experiences the world.
Skilled Nursing
- Seizure monitoring and seizure logs
- Medication given on schedule
- G-tube feeding and site care
- Notes on changes to share with your child's doctor
Routines and Predictability
- Care tasks done in the same order each day
- Visual schedules that show what comes next
- Advance notice before changes
- A consistent nurse whenever possible
Sensory-Aware Care
- Quiet voices and dim lighting when helpful
- Respect for comfort items and headphones
- Gentle, explained touch during care
- Breaks when your child is overwhelmed
Personal Care and Safety
- Bathing, dressing and toileting help
- Supervision during personal care
- Watching for wandering or unsafe climbing
- Overnight and respite shifts when approved
SLB Does Not Provide ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other behavioral therapies are separate services that SLB In-Home Care does not offer. Our role is nursing and personal care. Ask your child’s doctor or Medicaid plan about behavioral services your child may be able to receive. Our nurses can work alongside your child’s therapy team and support the routines they recommend.
04 / Next steps
How to Get Started
Most families start care about 30-60 days after the first call. We never promise a date, because the state’s review sets the pace.
01
Talk With Your Child's Doctor
Ask whether your child’s medical needs, not the autism diagnosis alone, call for in-home nursing or personal care.
02
Call SLB for Intake
In the first week we learn about your child, including sensory preferences, routines and triggers.
03
Gather Orders and Records
Over roughly the next two weeks we collect physician orders and records and build the prior authorization packet.
04
State Review
The state’s review usually takes up to about 30 days after a complete packet. If hours are denied, we help with the appeal.
05
Meet Your Nurse
You take part in choosing your nurse and can request a different one if the fit is not right.
05 / Working together
Care That Fits Your Family
You know your child best. Before the first shift, we ask about the words, signs or devices your child uses to communicate, what helps them calm down, foods and textures they accept, and anything that tends to cause distress.
Care can often continue at school or daycare and around travel. Hours are reviewed and re-authorized periodically, and you can ask for an update when your child’s needs change. There is no out-of-pocket cost for approved hours when approved by Georgia Medicaid.
Sources And Official Information
- Georgia DCH: Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) overview
- Georgia DFCS Medicaid Policy Manual, section 2933: Georgia Pediatric Program
Last reviewed October 2026. This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. In an emergency, call 911.
FAQ
Questions About Autism Support
My child has autism but no other medical conditions. Can SLB help?
GAPP is built for children with medical needs that require skilled nursing or hands-on care, so autism alone is usually not enough. Talk with your child’s doctor and Medicaid plan about other supports. You are still welcome to contact us with questions.
Are your nurses trained to work with autistic children?
Our RNs and LPNs are pediatric focused. During intake we share your child’s routines, sensory needs and communication style with the assigned nurse so care starts on familiar terms.
Can the nurse help during a meltdown?
The nurse keeps your child safe, follows the calming steps you and your child’s care team have shared, and watches for any medical cause. Nurses do not deliver behavioral therapy.
What if my child has a seizure during a shift?
The nurse follows the seizure action plan from your child’s doctor, gives ordered rescue medication and records what happened. If the plan says to, or if your child is in danger, the nurse calls 911.
How do you prepare a new nurse for my child?
Before a new nurse starts, we pass along what you told us at intake, including routines, triggers and calming steps, so the change is as smooth as possible for your child.
Does my child need a new diagnosis or evaluation?
Not necessarily. The packet relies on your child’s physician orders and medical records showing current needs. See the GAPP eligibility checklist.
What areas do you serve?
Our office is in College Park, and we serve Fulton, Clayton, DeKalb and Fayette counties, plus families statewide through GAPP. Call 404-905-8332, Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm or weekends 11am to 5pm.
Take The First Step
Find Out If Your Child May Qualify
Answer a few questions and we will help you understand your next step.