State Receives Federal Funds for Adult Autism Services
Pennsylvania has received the first federal waiver to provide services for adults with autism using federal Medicaid funds.
The $20 million-a-year waiver program is expected to serve up to 200 individuals 21 years of age and older with autism. Pennsylvania previously had no dedicated services for adults with autism.
Those eligible for the waiver program will be able to receive support and services, including family respite, employment assessment and supported employment, behavior supports and crisis intervention, and environmental modifications.
The waiver program was one of five recommendations from Pennsylvania’s Autism Task Force, said secretary of public welfare Estelle B. Richman. Following other recommendations from the task force, the state has appointed a director of autism affairs at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and established the Bureau of Autism Services.
For more information on services for people with autism in Pennsylvania, visit the DPW website.
Last Updated: 8/6/2008