Autism Services: Where and How to Find Support

Approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A complex neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder, autism impacts each individual differently. Some people with autism live independently with little to no support, others require select services and support, and some require significant help in their daily activities. This blog will explore how individuals with autism and their families can access the services, opportunities, and support they need to live full, independent, and rich lives – no matter what their age or level of need.

What services are available for individuals with autism?

Finding support for your loved one with autism might seem overwhelming, but there are a number of  services and supports available to help. Together with your child’s healthcare professional, you can decide the combination of therapies and supports that are best suited for your loved one. Some may include:

Therapy Services for Autism

• Behavioral therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), focus on reinforcing positive behaviors and reducing challenging behaviors through systematic techniques. Other behavioral therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Social Skills Training.
• Speech and language therapy help improve communication skills, including nonverbal communication.
• Occupational therapy helps with developing independent living skills, including self-care, fine motor, and sensory integration.
• Support groups and counseling help people with autism and their families to connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support.

Special Education Services

• Schools work with families to develop individualized education plans (IEPs), which meet the specific needs of each student with autism.

Community Integration

• These programs help individuals get out in the community via social, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Employment-related support

• Assisting with career development and progression, employment-related support might consist of job training, resumé development, interview skills, and ongoing on-the-job support.

Respite Care

• Respite care offers a break from daily routines for individuals with autism, their families, and primary caregivers.

Services for children with autism

When an individual with autism or their family comes to Bello Machre for support and services, the first thing we look at is age. In Maryland, the Autism Waiver provides community-based, long-term, person-centered therapeutic services and support to eligible children and youth with autism up until age 21. However, because there aren’t enough staff to support them, many minors who receive the Autism Waiver end up on months- to years-long waitlists for certain services. 

So, we encourage families with children under 21 to apply for Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services through a Family Supports Waiver (FSW). The FSW unlocks access to autism support services from any provider in the state who offers them. And, it provides people with access to more support and services than the Autism Waiver. These include personal support to help people with autism develop independent life skills and achieve higher educational goals in a one-on-one environment. Once you’ve filed for your FSW and your loved one is approved for services, your coordinator of community services (CCS) will help you find a list of providers. For example, in addition to special education support and therapies, a teen with autism might need help with both independent living skills, such as making a list for the grocery store and paying for items, and recreational activities, such as going to a swimming pool, park, or museum. Or, for a nine-year-old child with autism, the FSW might open up access to personal support, babysitting services, and respite services.

Services for adults with autism

For youth with autism transitioning to adulthood or individuals 21 or over, the first step is to apply at the DDA for a new waiver. Here is a state-by-state list of agencies that support individuals with developmental disabilities. In Maryland, the two waivers you can apply for include:

Community Supports Waiver

• Helps participants to live more independently in their homes and communities via Meaningful Day and Support Services that promote community living.

Community Pathways Waiver

• Opens up services similar to those found via the community supports waiver, and also includes residential services.

Depending on which waiver the individual receives, they will be eligible for:

Personal support services

• Personal supports helps individuals develop independent living skills such as meal planning and preparation, doing laundry, making a schedule, and more. At Bello Machre, our Personal Supports services empower individuals living in the community to maximize their independence. This can include transportation to attend community-based activities, medical appointments, high educational opportunities, and develop and maintain independent living skills.

Meaningful day services

• Meaningful day services help adults with autism integrate with the community via community development and employment services. At Bello Machre, we focus on promoting personal and professional growth through activities within the community. Our meaningful day services include one direct support professional facilitating groups of four individuals who design their own activities each month. They might volunteer, go to a ball game, visit a museum, do arts & crafts, bowl, go to a movie, and much more.

Residential services

• Residential services ensure adults with autism have a secure place to feel safe and loved. For example, at Bello Machre-owned homes, live-in caregivers support small community living with three to four people in the home. Each person has the opportunity to grow, develop, and live life to the fullest.

Local organizations and services for autism

Autism impacts each individual and their family differently. Many services and supports are available to meet your specific needs. Once you’ve received the appropriate waiver based on your or your loved one’s needs and age, your CCS will connect you with local organizations that can help. Contact Bello Machre for more information on how to find the right support and services to help your loved one with autism live their best life.