In Indiana you are going to want to apply for the Family Support Waiver, which is one of the waivers in the Indiana Medicaid Waiver program. Don’t be fooled by the word Medicaid! It has nothing to do with the family’s income in this instance. Your child automatically qualifies for these services because of their disability. This is where you’ll need that qualified mental health professional diagnosis, because medical records will be used to determine if you child meets the level of care requirements in order to qualify.

To start this process you will need to reach out to your local Bureau of Developmental Disability Services office, also known as BDDS. You can find your local office here https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/developmental-disability-services/bureau-of-developmental-disabilities-services/ Tell them your child has been recently diagnosed with autism and that you need to apply for assistance. BDDS will then mail you the application. Fill out the application, MAKE YOURSELF A COPY and mail to the BDDS office in your area. They should contact you within 30 days to set up the interview process. If they don’t CALL THE BDDS OFFICE and ask if they received the application- this is where the copy of the application comes in handy! There is also an online application you can access here https://bddsgateway.fssa.in.gov/