What is Autism

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States.

Autism looks different for everyone, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some people living with autism can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, and in some cases, live independently.

Purpose of the Maryland Autism Waiver

The Autism Waiver (AW) is designed to provide community-based, long-term, person-centered therapeutic services and support to eligible children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to enable home and community living as an alternative to institutional care. The Maryland Autism Waiver Program has been in existence since July 2001 and waives certain income requirements for children and adolescents living with autism so they are eligible to receive home and community-based services to help each individual function in their home and communities with greater independence.

Eligibility

The AW Registry is a list of individuals interested in AW services. Families must contact the AW Registry at 866-417-3480 to be eligible to apply to the AW when a vacancy occurs (parents are notified when the name of their child comes up on the registry). At which time, parents are directed to complete an Autism Waiver application.
Children and youth must meet the following criteria to enroll in the AW when eligible to apply:

 Have a current diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
 Are ages 1 through the end of the school semester that the child turns 21 years old
 Currently resides in Maryland
 Have an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with at least 15 hours per week of special education and/or related services
 Meet eligibility requirements for an ICF-IID institutional level of care
 Are able to be served and safely maintained in the home and community with AW services
 Meet financial eligibility for Medical Assistance; their monthly income may not exceed 300% of SSI benefits, and their countable assets may not exceed $2,000 or $2500 (depending on eligibility category).

Please know that:

I. There is no cost to parents whose children and adolescents are receiving services while enrolled in the Autism Waiver.
II. The Waiver is currently funded to provide services to over 1,000 individuals, referred to as Waiver participants.
III. Approximately 4,000 individuals are on the waiting list beyond the over 1,000 participants currently being served.
IV. The Waiver as it is called, must be reviewed for quality and compliance by the federal government every 3 to 5 years, therefore; its imperative waiver providers abide by COMAR and federal regulations governing the program.
V. Continued funding is dependent upon the result of the renewal process as well as the availability of federal funding and those funds matched by the state.
VI. Each autism waiver participant is also eligible to receive Medical Assistance for all medical needs.

The goal of the autism waiver is to:

i. Keep children with autism safe in their home and community;
ii. Improve the quality of life for families of children with autism;
iii. Provide quality services to maximize a child’s capacity for independence;
iv. Provide quality services to support and develop functional and adaptive skills; and
v. Provide quality services to reduce maladaptive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Please see the following resources to help, assists and support your family on this beautiful journey: