Autism Waiver Services

 

What is the Autism Waiver Program?

Officially called the Children's Autism Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program, the autism waiver program provides intensive home and community based services to eligible children within the state of Massachusetts.  The program is participant directed, meaning that within the parameters of the program, families have the ability to determine which services they deem most helpful to their child.  As a team, the family, support brokers, and clinical managers determine the strengths and needs of the child, and then develop goals to meet those needs. 

The main service of the Waiver Program is Expanded Habilitation; Education.  This is the direct day-to-day in-home service that the child receives. 

Other services available are Community Integration, Respite, Home Safety Modifications, Goods and Services (items, materials, memberships, etc.) Assistive Tech and Adaptive Equipment purchases, Vehicle Modifications, and Homemaking. 

Families are able to choose from a master list of Credentialed Providers, or utilize someone they already have experience with, provided they meet the qualifications. 

 

Please note, this program is funded by the Autism Division.  Community Autism Resources is contracted by the Autism Division to coordinate waiver services for eligible families.

 

Eligibility

The following requirements are necessary for participation in this program:

1. The child must have a confirmed diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, which includes Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS, Rhett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Asperger Syndrome subject to verification by the Department of Developmental Services.

2. The child has not yet reached his/her 9th birthday. Children birth through age 8 may participate.

3. The child is a resident of Massachusetts.

4. The child meets the level of care required for services in an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with Intellectual Disability (ICF/ID) as assessed by DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES.

5. The family chooses to have the child receive services in the home and community.

6. The child must be safely served in the community.

7. The child must have a legally responsible representative able to direct the services and supports
of the Waiver.

8. The child must be found by the MassHealth agency to be eligible for MassHealth Standard coverage, based on family income. For families who have not yet applied for MassHealth, this must be done at the time of the filing of the Waiver Program Eligibility Request Form.

 

Applications

The 2012 Open Enrollment Period begins on April 2nd, and runs through April 14th.  Applications MUST be postmarked between 4/2 and 4/14. 

Message to Families with Young Children

Application for the 2012 Open Enrollment

 

Documents and Forms

Below is the Overview of the program provided by the Division of Autism.

 

Autism Waiver Program Overview