Press Release  Governor Healey Signs Executive Order to Support Adults with Profound Autism

Boston — Today, ahead of Autism Awareness Month, Governor Maura Healey signed an Executive Order to establish a statewide strategy to better support adults with profound autism, or adults who are over 22 years old with diagnosed autism spectrum disorder and require 24-hour support and assistance due to a significant intellectual disabilities and limited or no language skills. The Executive Order aims to improve coordination across state agencies, promote innovation and advance outcomes for adults with profound autism and their families. Adults with profound autism and intellectual developmental disabilities represent a highly vulnerable and growing population in Massachusetts.  

“Massachusetts is committed to care and support for all. This executive order will strengthen coordination across agencies and help ensure that adults with profound autism and their families receive the support they need,” said Governor Healey. “I look forward to appointing individuals representing families, providers, clinicians and advocates who bring deep expertise and lived experience to this work.”  

“Massachusetts has long been a national leader in health care and disability services,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today’s executive order builds on that legacy by focusing attention and resources on adults with profound autism and ensuring that our systems are better coordinated to meet their needs.” 

The Executive Order establishes an advisory council led by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, with designees from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Executive Office of Administration and Finance, Department of Developmental Services, Department of Mental Health, Medicaid Director, and the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. Governor Healey will also appoint up to 10 additional members representing families, clinicians, providers and advocates with expertise in supporting adults with profound autism.  

The advisory council will develop recommendations focused on: 

• Reporting on the prevalence of adults with profound autism in Massachusetts;  
• Strengthening coordination across state systems serving adults with profound autism, including reviewing eligibility requirements across service systems;
• Promoting person-centered, strengths-based approaches that recognize the needs of adults with profound autism;
• Identifying opportunities to improve access to stable housing, health care, community-based services, and meaningful daily activities;
• Encouraging innovative residential living and service models that support safety, stability, and quality of life;
• Improving the use of data to better understand population needs, service utilization, outcomes, and efficient use of state resources over time;
• Supporting a sustainable and well-trained workforce responsive to level of care and support needs; and
• Informing future policy and budget planning in a manner consistent with the state’s long-term fiscal responsibility. 

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