April marks World Autism Month and National Autism Acceptance Month, a time to promote acceptance, celebrate differences, and advocate for the inclusion of autistic individuals in all areas of life. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children diagnosed, according to a 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
For families in Maryland raising autistic children, one critical resource is the Maryland Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (commonly referred to as the Autism Waiver). This Medicaid-funded program offers essential home and community-based services for children and young adults with autism, providing much-needed support for both individuals and their families. However, due to high demand, most families must navigate a long waitlist before their child can receive services.
To help families better understand the process, Sheri Weissman, Director Autism Waiver Services at The Coordinating Center and Mariam Eltoweissy, Autism Waiver Waitlist Liaison, Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will be hosting an informative webinar on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from Noon – 1:00 p.m.
What is the Maryland Autism Waiver?
The Maryland Autism Waiver was designed to provide community-based services to children and young adults (ages 1–21) who are considered at risk for institutional placement. The goal is to enable children to receive necessary supports while living at home and participating in their communities.
To qualify, families must meet three key eligibility criteria:
- Financial Eligibility:
- The child cannot have more than $2,500 in assets in their name.
- Technical Eligibility:
- Must have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) with at least 15 hours of special education and related services.
- Must have a confirmed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.
- Must attend an MSDE-approved educational program.
- Must be safely managed in the home and community.
- Must be a resident of Maryland.
What Services Does the Autism Waiver Provide?
The Autism Waiver covers a variety of services to support children and their families, including:
- Intensive Individual Support Services – Goal-directed support focusing on life skills development.
- Respite Care – Non-goal-directed 1:1 support provided at home, in the community, or through an approved overnight camp.
- Therapeutic Integration – A center-based program targeting various therapeutic goals.
- Family Consultation – Parent coaching and support based on challenges related to behaviors and life skills.
- Adult Life Planning – Guidance for parents on transition planning and adulthood.
- Environmental Accessibility Adaptations – Home modifications to improve safety and accessibility.
- Residential Habilitation – Out-of-home placement for children when behaviors become unmanageable at home.
Understanding the Waitlist Process
Due to high demand and limited program slots, families must join a waitlist before receiving Autism Waiver services. However, remaining on the waitlist requires ongoing eligibility verification, and parents must take active steps to ensure their child does not lose their spot.
What Happens If Your Child is Found Technically Ineligible?
Families may receive a letter stating that their child does not meet technical eligibility. If this happens:
- Review the Reasoning – The letter will outline why your child was deemed ineligible.
- Gather Supporting Documentation – Collect medical records, educational assessments, and other documents that verify the eligibility in question.
- Send Supporting Documentation – Email documentation that confirms your child’s technical eligibility to awwaitlist.msde@maryland.gov.
- Seek Support – Send any questions about technical eligibility to awwaitlist.msde@maryland.gov and a MSDE team member will respond.
What Happens When Your Child Reaches the Top of the Waitlist?
With recent changes in the waiver process, families now have a shorter timeframe to complete the necessary steps once their child reaches the top of the waitlist. Previously, parents had more time to submit required paperwork—but now, delays can result in losing the opportunity and being placed back on the waitlist.
To stay prepared, families should:
- Locate all required documentation and keep documentation together.
- Request any missing documentation required as soon as possible.
- Have a plan in place for submitting paperwork quickly.
- Maintain communication with the Local School System liaison and designated Autism Waiver Service Coordinator.
- Seek support and guidance from the designated Autism Waiver Service Coordinator if needed to ensure a smooth transition.
Join Us for the Webinar
Navigating the Autism Waiver waitlist can be overwhelming but being informed and proactive can make all the difference. For more in-depth information and support, join our upcoming Community Enrichment Series Webinar on Tuesday, April 15th at Noon – 1:00 p.m., where we will dive deeper into Navigating the Maryland Autism Waiver Waitlist. Click HERE to register.
