UCP’s Autism Waiver Program helps children up to the age of 9 and their families achieve their goals for increased independence.

UCP’s Autism Waiver Program is facilitated through Autism Connections, a family support center that  oversees autism programs in Western MA. The goal is to help children and their families find the community connections and support they need to make gains in areas where they may be struggling.

These services could include clinical therapy, behavioral specialists, social  support or direct care and more.

The child must be on a plan of care with defined goals. In the first two years of program, the waiver offers a financial stipend. The hope is that after a couple years of intensive involvement with the support team, the child and the family reach their goals to strengthen the family unit which leads to greater independence for the child.

To qualify, a child must have Department of Developmental Services (DDS) services in place and have an Autism only diagnosis. UCP’s Service Navigator can inform the family when this program has open enrollment and also help fill out paperwork to submit to the state.