a handbook for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

How do I ask for a Fair Hearing?
You must ask for a Fair Hearing in writing. Send your request to:
Department of Public Welfare
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Division of Grievances and Appeals
Beechmont Building #32
P.O. Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675
What information should I include in my request for a Fair Hearing?
Your request for a Fair Hearing should include all of the following:
Your child’s name.
Your child’s Social Security number and date of birth.
A phone number where you can be reached during the day.
An indication if you want to have the Fair Hearing in person or by telephone.
Any letter you may have received about the issue you are requesting your
Fair Hearing for (provide that information).
What happens after I ask for a Fair Hearing?
You will get a letter from the Department of Public Welfare’s Bureau of
Hearings and Appeals telling you where the hearing will be held and the date
and time of the hearing. You will receive this letter at least 10 days before the
date of the hearing.
You may come to where the Fair Hearing is held or be included by phone. A
family member, friend, lawyer, or other person may help you during the Fair
Hearing.
Community Care will also go to your Fair Hearing to explain why the decision
was made or explain what happened. If you ask, Community Care will help
you to file for a Fair Hearing. Community Care will give you (at no cost) the
records, reports, and other information that are relevant to your Fair Hearing.
Common
characteristics of
Autism include:
Disturbances in
communicating with
others.
Repetitive or
ritualistic behavior.
Extreme sensitivity
(hypersensitivity) in
one of the senses,
or extremely
non-responsive
(hyposensitive) to
one of the senses.
Selective hearing
and may act as
deaf.
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