In our state of Indiana, and in many more across the country, the qualifications standards and priorities are changing. This is NOT good news for higher-functioning individuals with autism. Our state added the requirement that a person with autism had to have cognitive disabilities to qualify for an autism waiver.

Those of us who live with Aspergers/high functioning, or Level 1 Autism know that having an average or even superior cognitive level doesn’t mean that our loved ones don’t need significant support in daily living, work, and aging. In my work at MAAP Services, have learned of way too many adults with autism who end up homeless due to lack of support services once they are emancipated from school age or their parents are deceased.

We must stay vigilant about any proposed changes in Medicaid priorities or qualifications. Also, are you aware of how long the waiting list for Waiver Services is in your state? Are you aware that if your loved one with an ASD moves from one state to another, that he must re-qualify and get on yet another waiting list before getting any services, if any?

I used to believe that ALL Americans had the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." How can that be true when my tax-paying, voting, working daughter with ASD cannot EVER move to another state without losing all of her services, Or at very best waiting years to receive help again? SSI Or SSD means nothing if you lose your ability to live in "the least restrictive environment (LRE)".

To check the rules and regulations in your state, go to your state governments web page and search "Medicaid Waivers" "Autism Waivers" , "Developmental Disabilities Waivers" or "Medicaid Disability Waivers".They should lead you to either one of their pages or to a Social Security Administration page.