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

The Autism Waiver Program is facilitated through Autism Connections, which is the Autism Support Center in Western Massachusetts. They provide information, resources, workshops and activities for all ages. 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.

UCP is a provider of services through the Autism Waiver Program for children. These service include Expanded Habilitation, Education, in-home services and support, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Floor Time, for a total of up to 3 years. At the conclusion of the 3 years of the intensive in-home services, a child may access ongoing Supplemental Services (for example respite and goods and services, etc.) that meet the child’s needs and help with the transition out of the intensive Autism Waiver Program—until the child’s 10th birthday.

To qualify, for the Autism Waiver Program a child must have Department of Developmental Services (DDS) services in place, a diagnosis of Autism, as well as ongoing income-related eligibility. UCP will inform the family when this program has open enrollment and also assist in completing the application to submit to the state.

An Open Interest Application period is held annually. Information about the application period will be available in September. More information can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/dds-childrens-autism-waiver-service-program-overview