Bureau of Autism Services Programs for Adults in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) sponsors two programs specifically for adults on the autism spectrum. One is the Adult Autism Waiver and the other is the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP). (There are other waivers available to those on the autism spectrum and other co-occurring conditions, which are discussed in another article in the CAR Autism Roadmap™.) The Adult Autism Waiver and ACAP are directly administered by BAS and are different from other programs. One major difference between these programs and other programs for adults with disabilities is that IQ is not a factor in determining eligibility.

These programs and waiver services are NOT entitlements. Both programs have limited capacity and limited funding. Meeting all the eligibility criteria for a particular program does not guarantee acceptance. Programs have waiting lists.

Similarities between the Adult Autism Waiver and ACAP:

• Programs provide supports for autistic individuals in Pennsylvania
• Programs do not rely on IQ score to determine eligibility, but rather functional ability
• Individuals must be eligible for Medicaid (see article under Healthcare & Treatment in the CAR Autism Roadmap™)

Differences between the Adult Autism Waiver and ACAP:

• Adult Autism Waiver operates as a traditional waiver program, in that it provides long-term services and supports for the individual living within the community. Physical medical care is not included in this program. Most individuals live in group homes in their communities.
• ACAP operates as a managed care health plan. It provides for integrated health care for the individual. Most adults enrolled in this program continue to reside in their family homes, with the additional services and supports obtained with ACAP.
• ACAP only operates within 4 counties (Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lancaster).

Adult Autism Waiver eligibility criteria:

• Must be a Pennsylvania resident
• Must have an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Must be eligible for Medicaid
• Eligibility is determined by functionality, not IQ score
• Must be 21 years or older
• Available throughout the State of Pennsylvania
• Priority to those not receiving ongoing state or federally funded services
• Physical health services are not covered; health insurance must be maintained through the mandatory Medicaid managed provider, HealthChoices
• Choice among providers already enrolled with the state
• 24/7 care is available, if assessed to be a need

Services offered:

Individuals who receive the waiver will choose a supports coordination agency to conduct assessments and to help develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP). Service providers are required to complete an Autism-specific training program approved by the Bureau of Autism Services. Depending on assessed needs, the following services may be available:

• Assistive Technology
• Behavioral Specialist
• Community Inclusion
• Community Transition
• Day Habilitation
• Environmental Modifications
• Family Counseling
• Family Training
• Job Assessment & Finding
• Nutritional Consultation
• Residential Habilitation
• Respite
• Supported Employment
• Temporary Crisis Services
• Therapies (Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy)
• Transitional Work Services

To apply for the Adult Autism Waiver, call the Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) toll-free at 1-866-539-7689 to request an application. Leave a message with the following information:

• Name of person applying for the waiver
• Daytime telephone number
• Address
• County of residence
• If you are calling on behalf of the person who wishes to apply, also leave your name and daytime telephone number.

Your call will be returned by a member of the BAS staff to determine the level of priority of need according to Bureau guidelines. Applications will be sent out depending on the assigned priority group and the date of the initial call to BAS.

Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP) eligibility criteria:

• Must be a PA resident in Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin or Lancaster Counties (plans are in place to extend these geographical boundaries)
• Must have an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Must be eligible for Medicaid
• Eligibility is determined by functionality, not by IQ score
• Must be 21 years or older
• At time of intake, the participant cannot require more than 16 hours of awake support
• Individual cannot be a danger to himself or herself or others

The goals of ACAP include increasing the adult's quality of life, including independence, participation in community life, and social networks, as well as decreasing caregiver stress and psychiatric hospitalizations.

Services offered:

ACAP is not a waiver program but operates more as a managed care plan for physical, behavioral, and community services. Services are provided by Keystone Autism Services and its network of providers (for example, primary care physicians). ACAP:

• Becomes the participant's health plan
• Includes and coordinates physical, behavioral and community support services
• Supports greater participation in community activities

To apply for ACAP, call BAS toll-free at 1-866-539-7689 to request an application. Leave a message with the following information:

• Name of person applying for program
• Daytime telephone number
• Address
• County of residence
• If you are calling on behalf of the person who wishes to apply, also leave your name and daytime telephone number.

Applications may not be requested by email and are not available on-line.

Additional Resources:

• BAS Adult Programs Overview
• Overview of the PA Adult Autism Waiver
• Comparison of the Adult Autism Waiver and the Adult Community Autism Program
• Adult Autism Waiver Web Links, From the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP)