The State of Wisconsin offers funding through a Medicaid Autism Waiver to provide two types of service for children diagnosed with autism.  To be eligible for the funding, a child must:

• Have a diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional.  A pediatrician or school psychologist cannot diagnose autism.
• Be under the age of 8 when they begin services. (as a result, the referral to be determined eligible should begin midway through their 7th year at the latest).
• Be covered by or eligible for Medicaid/Title XIX funding.

The Autism Waiver has two phases.  The first is Intensive In-home Therapy, where the child receives 20-35 hours a week of staff coming into the home and working on social, behavioral, speech, and other skills. The parents are a vital part of this therapy, as they learn how to teach and reinforce skills as well.  The Intensive phase has a limit of three years of therapy.  The only other service provided during this phase is service coordination.

The second phase is the Ongoing Phase.  This level has less funding attached but is more flexible.  Service coordination is still a requirement but parents have a choice of a variety of other services.  These may include continuing a few hours of therapy a week, respite, child care, recreation, special equipment, and others.

For additional information, contact Information and Assistance at 638-6321.