In order to be eligible for these expanded autism services, a child must:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, which includes Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS, Rhett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome;

• Be under the age of nine;

• Be a resident of Massachusetts;

• Be eligible for MassHealth standard coverage, based on family income;

• Be able to be safely served in the community.

DMR’s Autism Waiver Program will use an individualized Autism Support Plan of Care to assist families in identifying their children’s needs and the specific services available to address those needs. Services include expanded habilitation-education; respite; family training; and community integration.

Parents and guardians caring for children who meet these criteria are strongly encouraged to apply by submitting a Waiver Program Eligibility Request Form. The application is available in seven languages at www.mass.gov/dmr. The Eligibility Request Form is also available at the regional DMR-funded Autism Support Centers listed below. Staff is available to assist consumers in completing the necessary paperwork. Applications can be mailed to: Department of Mental Retardation, Autism Division, Attention: Autism Waiver Program, 500 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.

For more information about the Autism Waiver Program, call toll-free at 1-888-367-4435