#United States #Coordinating Center #Autism Waiver #Queen Anne's County

The Coordinating Center Expands Autism Waiver Services to Queen Anne's County

The Coordinating Center has made a significant leap forward in its mission to provide person-centered care by extending its Autism Waiver Service Coordination to Queen Anne's County, Maryland. This initiative is poised to make a meaningful difference for local families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Background on the Autism Waiver

The Maryland Autism Waiver offers essential Medicaid-funded services and supports for children with autism, enabling them to thrive in their communities. These services cover a wide range, including respite care, environmental adaptations tailored to individual needs, intensive individual support, and after-school therapeutic programs. The goal is to ensure that children and young adults with ASD receive the necessary assistance until they reach 21 years of age.

The Autism Waiver is administered collaboratively by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), ensuring access to a range of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for eligible individuals.

Focus on Local Needs

Joeleen Smith, the Supervisor of Special Education for Queen Anne's County Board of Education, expressed enthusiasm over The Coordinating Center's involvement, emphasizing their extensive experience and commitment to a person-centered approach. She stated, "We are pleased to welcome The Coordinating Center as our new Autism Waiver service coordination provider. Their expertise will be a valuable asset to our students and families."

The expansion is particularly notable as Queen Anne's County joins the ranks of Dorchester, Harford, Howard, and Worcester counties, which are already benefiting from The Coordinating Center's service coordination expertise. The local school systems have recognized the importance of skilled coordinators in helping families navigate the complexities of available support services.

A Testimony to the Need for Support

Dr. Teresa Titus-Howard, the President and CEO of The Coordinating Center, shared her excitement regarding this initiative, highlighting the direct benefits for local families. She remarked, "This expansion means more families will have access to a skilled team of service coordinators who understand the unique needs of children and young adults with autism and are dedicated to helping them live their best lives in the communities they call home."

Eligibility Criteria for the Autism Waiver

To be eligible for the Autism Waiver, children must meet specific criteria: they need a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5 guidelines, require a level of care typically found in institutional settings, and must be part of an individualized plan that includes intensive special education services, either through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP). Importantly, the evaluation for financial eligibility considers the child's personal income and resources rather than those of the family, making the program accessible to a wider demographic.

As demand for the Autism Waiver services continues to grow, the program is currently at full capacity. Families interested in accessing future services are encouraged to join the waiting list by contacting the Maryland Autism Waiver Registry at 1-866-417-3480.

A Vision for the Future

Founded in 1983, The Coordinating Center has been at the forefront of care management, focusing on supporting individuals with disabilities and complex needs. Their commitment to delivering person-centered support allows them to truly partner with families in their journeys towards achieving health, independence, and community engagement.

With this recent expansion, The Coordinating Center reinforces its mission, furthering its role as a leader in care coordination for families in Maryland. The nonprofit organization continues to view each individual’s health journey as a priority, urging families to reach out and explore the support available for their children and young adults.

For further details, visit coordinatingcenter.org.