1. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

2. Lea Hill Regional Autism Program Coordinator DDS Northeast Region
DDS Initiatives for Adults With Autism but Without Intellectual Disability
Lea Hill
Regional Autism Program Coordinator
DDS Northeast Region

3. Autism Omnibus Law of 2014
Expansion of eligibility to include Adults with Autism and Prader-Willi without Intellectual Disability and for Smith Magenis Syndrome.

4. 2014 Autism Omnibus Bill Highlights
Established the Autism Commission as a permanent body within EOHHS
Carolyn Kain, Executive Director
Sub-Committees on Employment, Housing, Adult Services, and more
Changed Eligibility Criteria for DDS
Created Tax-Free Savings Account (ABLE)
Created Autism Endorsement for Special Education Teachers

5. 2014 Autism Omnibus Bill Highlights
Required DDS and DMH to Develop and Implement Plan for Mental Illness and Developmental Disabilities, including:
Respite
Family Support
Care Coordination
Required MassHealth to Cover Medically Necessary Treatments for Children under 21 – Including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

6. DDS Adult Autism Eligibility
Download the Application:
Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese
Eligibility Fact Sheet for Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders:
dds-eligibility-process

7. DDS Adult Autism Eligibility
Eligible Individuals must have Substantial Functional Impairments in Three or More of the Seven Major Life Areas:
Self-Care (ADL)
Expressive Communication
Receptive Communication
Learning
Mobility
Capacity for Self-Direction
Economic Self-Sufficiency

8. DDS Adult Autism Eligibility
Adult Autism Eligibility Applications may be submitted at Age 17, even if the individual is still enrolled in school.
DDS Adult funded services begin once the individual is Out of School (18-21) or reaches Age 22.
All DDS Services and Supports are subject to Appropriation.

9. DDS Adult Autism Eligibility
Adult Eligibility remains throughout the Life Time unless the Individual relocates Out of State
DDS Services are Voluntary

10. DDS Adult Services Service Coordinator
Attends IEP’s and Transition Meetings
Leads ISP Meetings
Support Broker for Self-Directed Services

11. Frequent Service Requests for Adults with Autism
Individual Supports
Examples:
Adult Companion
Independent Living Skills Development
Skill Training & Job Development
Referral to Clinical Supports
Behavioral, Psychiatric, Assistive Technology
Day/Employment Supports
Individual and Group Supported Employment

12. New Initiatives for Adults with Autism
Autism Coaching Program
Autism Specialists at Family Support Centers
Social/Recreational Events
Support Groups for Individuals and Parents

13. Collaboration with DMH
Area Office Case Review
During Eligibility Process & Ongoing
Psychiatric Consultation
Psychiatric Fellowships
Clubhouses (DMH Eligibility Not Required)
Collaborative Training and Staff Development Opportunities
New Service Model Development

14. DDS Autism Program Coordinators:
Northeast Region – Lea Hill
Metro Region – Maria Stefano
Southeast Region – Shannon Hubley
Central/West Region – Pamela Ferguson