Parents often search for PPEC for autism after hearing that a medical daycare might help their child. Whether it fits depends on the child's medical needs, not the autism diagnosis. This guide explains when a child with autism can attend PPEC in Florida and how in-house ABA works at Peek A Boo Pediatric Care in Hollywood.
The Short Answer
PPEC, or Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, is a medical daycare for children from birth through age 20 who have a medically complex condition that needs skilled nursing during the day. Autism by itself usually does not meet that requirement.
Many children with autism also have medical needs. When a child needs nursing care during the day, autism does not stand in the way. At Peek A Boo, that child can work on behavior goals with our in-house ABA team in the same building.
When a Child With Autism Qualifies
To attend PPEC, a physician writes a prescription saying skilled nursing is medically necessary, and Florida Medicaid approves it. Approval is renewed every 180 days. Children with autism who qualify often also have:
- A seizure disorder that needs monitoring or rescue medication
- G-tube or NG-tube feedings
- Breathing needs such as a trach, oxygen, or chronic asthma
- A genetic condition, heart condition, or other diagnosis that needs nursing care
- Several medications given during the day
Our Who Qualifies page lists conditions we care for and the requirements. If you are not sure, call us. We will look at your child's situation and explain whether PPEC fits.
The doctor's prescription and notes support the request, and Florida Medicaid decides the authorization. Bring a list of your child's diagnoses and medications, along with care needs, to the appointment.
How ABA Fits Into Care
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, works on individualized goals such as communication and everyday routines. At Peek A Boo, ABA is provided in-house by our own team.
For a child enrolled in PPEC, behavior goals are addressed in the same building as nursing and other therapies. ABA has its own prescription and approval steps, and our team walks families through them.
Other Services a Child May Receive
Depending on the child's prescriptions, the following services and activities can be provided:
- Skilled nursing for medications, feeds, seizure monitoring, and breathing care
- Speech therapy for communication and feeding, including swallowing
- Occupational therapy for fine-motor and daily-living skills and sensory support
- Learning and play matched to the child's age and ability
Physical and occupational therapy, along with speech therapy, are separate services with their own prescriptions and approval steps. Learn more about services at our center.
Ask us how the ride to and from the center works for your child.
If PPEC Is Not the Right Fit
If your child does not need nursing care during the day, PPEC may not be the right program. Your child's pediatrician can point you to other support, such as:
- Early intervention services for children under 3
- ABA, speech, and occupational therapy through the child's coverage
- Services through the child's school district
We are happy to answer questions on the phone either way.
How to Find Out
Call us and describe your child's health needs. We will check Florida Medicaid coverage, explain what the doctor's prescription needs to include, and set up a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does autism qualify a child for PPEC in Florida?
Not by itself. PPEC is for children with a medically complex condition that needs skilled nursing during the day. A child with autism who also has needs such as seizures, tube feedings, or breathing care may qualify.
Does Peek A Boo offer ABA therapy?
Yes. Peek A Boo provides Applied Behavior Analysis in-house with its own team, so children enrolled in PPEC can work on behavior goals in the same building as nursing and other therapies.
Is ABA part of the PPEC prescription?
No. ABA has its own prescription and approval steps, separate from PPEC. Our team explains how it works and helps families with the paperwork.
What ages does Peek A Boo serve?
Peek A Boo serves children from birth through age 20 who have complex medical needs that call for skilled nursing during the day.
How is PPEC covered?
For eligible children, Florida Medicaid covers PPEC with a doctor's prescription. Approval is renewed every 180 days.
Wondering if Your Child Qualifies?
Call us and tell us about your child. We will check eligibility and explain what comes next. Se habla español.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your child's doctor about their care. In an emergency, call 911.