Service overview
Adults who are 18 or older, have finished high school, and have an Autism-only diagnosis may qualify for services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) if:
- They live in Massachusetts
- They have a developmental disability like Autism, Prader-Willi Syndrome, or Smith-Magenis Syndrome
- They do not have an intellectual disability (a different kind of eligibility with DDS)
What Kinds of Services are Available?
DDS offers different types of community-based support to help adults with Autism meet their goals in their communities. These services may include:
- Help finding a job or joining a day program
- Attending college or working on individual goals
- Help at home (either in the person’s own home or a family member’s home)
- Support in connecting with resources in the community
The kind of support someone gets depends on:
- What they need and want
- What programs and resources are available
- Availability of funding (services may change based on budget availability)
Service Coordination
Once someone is approved for Adult Autism Services they are matched with an Autism Service Coordinator at their local DDS office.
Initial Meeting
The Coordinator will contact the person and their family to set up a meeting. The meeting can happen at the DDS office or at home. During the meeting, the Coordinator will:
- Learn more about the person and their family
- Identify needs and goals
- Explain what DDS can offer
- Help connect the person to services and programs that fit their needs
If the person starts using DDS services, the Service Coordinator will:
- Help create a Service Plan that outlines goals and supports
- Organize team meetings to check in
- Check that services are working well and goals are being met
What the Service Coordinator Does
The Autism Service Coordinator helps make sure the person is safe and supported. They also:
- Speak up for the person’s rights
- Coordinates with other community programs and state agencies
- Make referrals to DDS provider agencies when needed
For each person they support, the Coordinator:
- Connects the person to service providers
- Leads planning and team meetings
- Checks in regularly to see how things are going
Individual Supports
These services help adults with Autism live independently in their own homes and be part of their communities. These services may include:
- Managing money
- Staying healthy
- Shopping
- Using community resources
- Staying safe
- Building social and life skills
Pre-Engagement and Coaching Services
Pre-Engagement
This service helps people who are isolated and have a hard time participating in services and community activities. Not everyone will need this service, and not everyone who starts here will move on to coaching. DDS and service agencies work together with the person to decide what is likely to help most.
Coaching
Coaching is one-on-one support between an adult with Autism and a trained coach. The coach understands both Autism and mental health. While not a substitute for therapy, coaching focuses on building a relationship and helping the person develop and meet goals that are important to them.
College Navigation
This service helps DDS-eligible students who are in college in Massachusetts. A College Navigator works one-on-one with the student to help them succeed. The Navigator is not a tutor, but helps with:
- Organizing schoolwork and managing time
- Adjusting to campus and dorm life
- Communicating with teachers and staff
- Finding mental health and academic support
- Learning how to get around campus and use transportation
- Using online tools for learning and communication
Clinical Services
These services help improve a person’s independence and stability at home and in the community.
Behavioral Supports
This service helps people manage behaviors that may make daily life harder. It can include:
- Behavior assessment
- A plan to support positive behavior
- Training for staff and caregivers
- Checking in to ensure the plan is working
Assistive Technology
This includes tools or devices that help someone do things more easily. It can help with:
- Learning new skills
- Staying independent
- Reaching goals in their support plan
Examples might be communication devices, apps, or special equipment.
Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS)
CBDS helps people enjoy life, work on pre-employment skills, and be active in their communities. It offers chances to:
- Explore careers through volunteering or job trials
- Join community activities
- Learn life skills like cooking, budgeting, or using transportation
- Practice and improve social skills
- Try new hobbies and personal interests
Employment Supports
These services help people find and keep jobs that match their interests and skills.
Individual Supported Employment
This helps someone get a job in the community or start their own business. Support may include:
- Job training
- Help learning new skills
- Ongoing support to grow in their career
Group Supported Employment
This is for small groups (2 to 8 people) working together in the community. The group is supported by a provider agency. The goal is to:
- Work in regular job settings
- Meet and interact with coworkers, customers, and supervisors
- Learn job skills and possibly move into individual jobs
Examples include:
- Small teams working in a business
- Mobile work crews
- Temporary jobs that may lead to permanent positions
Family Support Services
These services help families find resources and get support.
Family Support Navigation
A Family Navigator helps families:
- Understand what services are available
- Find local resources
- Work with other service providers
- Use natural supports like friends, neighbors, and community groups
The Navigator is a guide who helps families feel confident and informed.
Respite Services
Respite gives caregivers a break by providing short-term care for the person with Autism. It can happen:
- In a licensed respite center
- In the person’s home
- In the family’s home
- In the home of a trained caregiver
Respite may be needed when regular caregivers are unavailable or need rest. Some locations are only available in emergencies or in certain areas. Talk to your Autism Service Coordinator to learn more.