DDS Children's Autism Waiver Service Program Overview

The Children’s Autism Waiver Program (AWP) at the Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) serves children, from birth through age 9, who have an autism spectrum disorder and who meet the eligibility criteria.

The Children’s Autism Waiver Program allows children to receive Expanded Habilitation, Education which are in-home services and supports such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Floor Time, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), 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 portion of the Autism Waiver Program—until the child’s 10th birthday.

An Open Interest Application period is held annually. Information about this Application period will be available in September.