2024 Open Enrollment for Autism Waiver

What is the Autism Waiver Program?

Under the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Autism Division runs the Autism Waiver Program for children with autism who experience behavior, social, and communication challenges. Eligible children are enrolled in the service on a lottery basis, which provides one-on-one interventions in the child’s home or other natural settings. These services are conducted by trained clinical staff and are offered for three years. Upon completion of the three years, children may access step-down services until they reach age 10.

Who can apply?

Children between the ages of 0-9 who are MassHealth eligible and at risk of residential placement now or at some point in the future.

Applications for 2024 are open from October 18th to November 1st, 2024.

How to apply:

By Mail:

• All Applications must have a Postmark/Date Stamp between October 18th - November 1st, 2024

• Please complete the form in pen and print clearly

• Please mail form to:

  AUTISM DIVISION of DDS, Att. Autism Waiver Program Open Interest Form

  1000 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118

• Note: The Autism Division is not able to accept hand-delivered forms

By Email:

• All Applications must be emailed to AutismDivision@mass.gov between October 18th, 2024 - November 1st, 2024

• All Application must be sent directly from the Parent/Guardian Only

• Form can be completed electronically or printed, filled out clearly in pen and scanned into an email

• Form may be sent in the following formats: PDF (preferred), JPG if clearly visible

• If completing on a smart phone/tablet-download a free scanner app and send via a PDF file

*Note: Please do not mail or email to MAC or Johanne Pino. Only send information to DDS.

What to know:

• Any enrollment forms submitted previously will be discarded

• Families must apply again during this open enrollment period to remain on the waitlist

• The waiver also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite

• Get help filling out the application at your local Autism Center

Information about the Waiver Program is available in Cantonese, Cape Verdean, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese on the DDS website.

For more information contact Johanne Pino at jpino@massadvocates.org, or 617-357-8431 x3234