The Autism Waiver (AW) Program provides community-based, long-term therapeutic services and support for eligible children and youth between the ages of one and 21 who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program is designed to help individuals receive the care and developmental support they need while continuing to live at home and participate in their communities, rather than requiring institutional care.
Through person-centered services, the Autism Waiver Program focuses on strengthening independence, improving daily living skills, and supporting families in meeting the unique needs of their children. Services are delivered in home and community environments where individuals can learn, grow, and build meaningful connections.
The Autism Waiver Program operates through a partnership between the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).
- MSDE, through the local education agency (LEA), oversees the day-to-day implementation of the program.
- MDH administers Maryland’s Medicaid program and provides program oversight.
The number of available waiver slots is determined by CMS, while program funding is approved through the Governor and the Maryland State Legislature.
Eligibility Requirements
Families interested in Autism Waiver services must first join the Autism Waiver Registry, which is a list of individuals interested in receiving services. When a vacancy becomes available, families on the registry may be invited to apply for the program.
To enroll when eligible, children and youth must meet several requirements, including:
- Having a current educational classification of Autism or a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as defined in the DSM 5
- Being between ages 1 and the end of the school semester when the individual turns 21
- Receiving early intervention or special education services, such as:
- An Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for ages 1–5
- An Individualized Education Program (IEP) in early childhood or kindergarten settings
- An IEP with significant special education services or one-to-one support during school years
- Meeting the institutional level of care requirement for an ICF-IID
- Being able to safely live in a home or community environment with appropriate supports
- Meeting financial eligibility requirements for Medical Assistance; countable assets must not exceed $2,000 or $2,500 (depending on the applicable eligibility category)
These criteria help ensure that services are provided to individuals who can benefit from community-based supports and therapeutic programs.
Services through the Autism Waiver may include:
- Adult Life Planning (ALP)
This service focuses on preparing families and participants for future adult services. It helps families understand available community resources and develop plans that support decision-making and long-term independence. - Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (EAA)
This service provides funding for physical modifications within the home environment that improve safety, accessibility, and independence for the participant. - Family Consultation (FC)
Family Consultation offers training and professional guidance to help families better support children and youth with autism. These services strengthen family involvement in the participant’s developmental progress. - Intensive Individual Support Services (IISS)
IISS provides one-on-one assistance tailored to the participant’s individualized treatment plan. These services use everyday home and community experiences as opportunities to develop appropriate behaviors, social skills, and adaptive functioning. - Residential Habilitation (Regular or Intensive)
Residential Habilitation provides structured, community-based residential placements for children who cannot live at home temporarily due to their support needs. The goal is to help individuals develop essential life skills and eventually transition back into a home environment. - Respite Care
Respite services provide short-term supervision and assistance with daily activities when caregivers need temporary relief from their caregiving responsibilities. - Therapeutic Integration (Regular or Intensive)
Therapeutic Integration programs offer structured therapeutic activities during after-school hours, weekends, and non-school days. These programs are designed to support individuals who experience challenges with socialization, impulse control, attention, or behavioral regulation.
Note:
Each Autism Waiver participant also receives Service Coordination, also known as targeted case management, through their local education agency to help organize and oversee their services. In addition, participation in the Autism Waiver provides eligibility for full Medical Assistance benefits, which may include health insurance coverage, prescription medications, dental services, physician and hospital care, home health services, laboratory testing, disposable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, mental health services, and other related healthcare supports.
FAQs About This Program
What is the Autism Waiver Program?
How can families apply for the Autism Waiver?
Families must first join the Autism Waiver Registry to express interest in receiving services. When a program opening becomes available, eligible families on the registry may be contacted and invited to complete the application process.
For more information on the Autism Waiver, call:
Autism Waiver Helpline:
Office: (866) 417-3480
Maryland State Department of Education:
Office: (410) 767-0264
Maryland Department of Health:
Office: (410) 767-5220
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