Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts

SEPTEMBER 20-OCTOBER 1, 2010
New Application Period for Massachusetts
Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver

For a short and limited time period, the Department of Developmental Service’s (DDS) Autism Division will be conducting a new application process for parents of young children with autism to apply for the Children’s Autism Waiver Program.

PLEASE NOTE, DDS HAS NOW DECIDED TO PLAN THE OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 20-OCTOBER 1, 2010, in order to provide sufficient time for outreach to families throughout the Commonwealth. The Autism Division anticipates that approximately 60 additional children will be eligible for the Waiver program during this initial application period that will last for approximately 12-18 months.

The Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver program provides up to $25,000 worth of services per year of intensive in-home services (such as ABA and DIR/Floor Time) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other services that will support children who are from low-income families in their homes and communities. The program is limited to children between the ages of 0-8 who are Medicaid eligible and at risk of institutionalization now or at some point in the future.

We have attached an Autism Waiver Program Renewal Overview that was just released by DDS.

With the limited time to get the word out to families and providers, we hope you can start identifying families and informing them about the Waiver and the process for applying. The one page application for families to submit should be available soon on the DDS website (translated into different languages) www.mass.gov/dds

Remember even families that you know are on the current wait list for the Waiver need to re-apply, so please contact all families that you think may benefit from this important program.

With your help we hope to identify and reach the families in need of these services.

Remember, application forms MUST be postmarked September 20-October 1 (applications postmarked earlier or later are not eligible).

AWP Renewal Overview (Word doc)
AWP Renewal Overview (pdf)

Fact Sheet about ARICA
updated 8-23-10 (PDF doc)

More information is on the Insurance page.

About Advocates for Autism for Massachusetts (AFAM)

Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts was formed in 2004 to address the need for public advocacy on behalf of individuals, families and professionals who have or deal with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which also encompasses Asperger's Syndrome and high-functioning Autism. The organization provides an important arena for mobilizing those of us who deal with ASD in our day-to-day lives as the most eloquent and persuasive spokespeople for our concerns. Our efforts focus not only on the State House but also on towns and city halls that also have responsibility for service delivery and funding.

Mission

Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts will strive to assure the human and civil rights of individuals of all ages across the entire Autism Spectrum and promote the availability of essential supports so that they may live fully and enjoy the same opportunities as other citizens of the Commonwealth. We will educate individuals with ASD, their families and other AFAM members/supporters to be effective, vigorous agents of change. Read more.

ADULT SERVICES

AFAM has released a report: Awash in Autism - Why We Must Begin to Address the Critical Need for Services for Adults with Autism in Massachusetts. The report includes an overview of the current state of services in Massachusetts for adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) prepared for AFAM by Caroline V. Budney, M.P.P., and Marji Erickson Warfield, Ph.D., of the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University. The report also summarizes the findings of the survey AFAM conducted over the past year documenting the needs of individuals, 14 years and older, in Massachusetts who have or will have needs for intensive and specialized day, employment, and residential supports when they reach the age of 22.

“Massachusetts is facing a crisis,” said Michael J. Borr, Chair of AFAM. “An entire generation of school children with ASDs are becoming adults. The tsunami is now on the horizon. Indeed the beginning of the wave is hitting the classes of individuals currently turning 22. The supports necessary to enable these young adults with ASD to live fulfilling lives, safe from harm and crisis, just do not exist in forms or to extents adequate to their intense needs or their growing numbers.”

The Awash in Autism report recommends that the Commonwealth establish a task force to develop a better a more complete understanding of the current status and future needs of adults with autism in Massachusetts and assist in the development of effective policy and service options.

“AFAM recognizes that services for people with disabilities in the Commonwealth are severely underfunded and overwhelmed, and that we are in the throes of a great fiscal crisis,” said Michael j. Borr. “But the challenge before us needs to be addressed: the numbers of adults with autism who are now reaching adulthood and the intensity and nature of their needs make this an imperative that cannot be ignored or delayed.”

Click here to view the report.

Click on Adult Services to view related information about the survey.

Action Alerts: See Government Affairs

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