Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
August 14, 2007, Vol. 07-125

CMS Releases Promising Practices Reports for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the availability of three new promising practices reports that focus on Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Since 1999, CMS has developed an on-line repository of more than 75 Promising Practices in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to highlight State efforts to enable persons of any age who have a disability or long-term illness to live in the most integrated community setting appropriate to their individual support requirements and preferences, exercise meaningful choices, and obtain quality services. The new reports focusing on ASDs are at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/promisingpractices/.

The on-line Promising Practices Reports disseminate timely information on program and policy innovation. These reports on ASDs are part of the CMS' participation in the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), created through the Combating Autism Act of 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1 in 150 children have an ASD, with males predominantly affected. ASDs are developmental disabilities that create impairments in social interaction and communication, and include unusual behaviors and interests. Individuals with ASDs have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The abilities of children and adults with ASDs can vary, from gifted to challenged. An ASD typically begins before age three and lasts throughout an individual's lifetime.

We invite you to visit the Promising Practices Website to view all of the resources posted, including our new reports:

California - Single Process for Diagnosis and Service Delivery
Two multi-county regions in California established one-stop clinics to diagnose ASDs and coordinate service planning across the education and developmental disabilities systems. Both regions also established ongoing collaborative teams to coordinate supports and improve the local service system for children with ASDs. An evaluation reported a four-month reduction in the average age of diagnosis.

Connecticut- Pilot Program for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Connecticut is operating a State-funded HCBS pilot program to help adults with ASDs gain skills to join the regular workforce. The program serves people with ASDs who do not qualify for the State's Medicaid HCBS waivers. This pilot program targets individuals who need continued supports to pursue employment opportunities and improve their independent living skills.

Delaware - Supported Employment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Delaware has helped adults with autism ASDs work alongside people without disabilities, using both supported and competitive employment. The State emphasizes early transition planning for youth exiting the school system. It also provides additional hours of support for Medicaid waiver participants with challenging behaviors. Over 50 HCBS waiver participants with ASD who live in Delaware are employed in the community.

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.