State guide
Connecticut
Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in Connecticut. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.
Connecticut overview
Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services (DDS) administers Medicaid waiver services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Contact DDS directly for eligibility determination and waiver applications. The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) is the state's PTI — free help with IEPs and special education disputes. Connecticut's Birth-to-Three program provides early intervention services; contact info is at birth23.org. The Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC) offers family support and navigation.
Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.
⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist
DSS Waiver for Persons with Autism, plus the DDS Individual and Family Supports Waiver
Typical wait: Around 2,000 autistic people waiting; no general I/DD waiting list
Call (866) 433-8192. Connecticut runs a waiver specifically for autistic people with an IQ of 70 or above — the group most states leave out. Make sure your evaluation used a standardised autism instrument such as the ADOS.
Connecticut's autism waiver requires an IQ of 70 or higher. It exists precisely for people who do not qualify for intellectual disability services.
Statewide resources
These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.
Parent Training & Information (PTI)
Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)(860) 739-3089
Federally funded — free help with IEPs, evaluations, and special ed rights.
Early Intervention (Birth to 3)
Connecticut Birth to Three System(800) 505-7000
Part C IDEA services for children under 3. Apply immediately after diagnosis.
Medicaid / HCBS Waiver
Connecticut DDS HCBS WaiversState waiver program for home and community-based services. Apply the day of diagnosis.
State Autism Organization
Autism Society of ConnecticutState-level autism advocacy, family support, and community connection.
Insurance Coverage
Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Connecticut.
Connecticut requires insurance to cover ABA therapy
PA 09-115 · effective 2009
Covers ABA through age 15 with a $72,000/year cap. This is a relatively limited mandate — families with older children or high therapy needs may hit the cap. Self-funded ERISA plans are exempt.
Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are typically exempt — ask your HR department which type of plan you have.
Medicaid Waiver
Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in Connecticut.
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Waiver
Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Typical wait time
2-5 years depending on service type and need level
Coverage highlights
- ✓Respite
- ✓Supported Living
- ✗Therapy
- ✓Employment Supports
Connecticut DDS provides a continuum of services including Family Support Subsidies that offer smaller financial support while families wait for full waiver services. Autism is a qualifying diagnosis. Contact your regional DDS office to begin the eligibility determination process.
How to apply
Medicaid Managed Care
How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Connecticut.
HUSKY Health
Covers ABA through under 21How to find your plan
Visit huskyhealth.com or call 1-877-CT-HUSKY (1-877-284-8759). Your managed care plan name is printed on your HUSKY health card.
Major plans in this state
- Aetna Better Health of Connecticut
- Anthem Health Plans of Connecticut (BCBS)
- Molina Healthcare of Connecticut
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Connecticut's HUSKY Health (Medicaid) covers ABA therapy for children under 21 through four managed care plans. Families choose a plan during enrollment or are auto-assigned. Prior authorization is required and must be submitted by an enrolled ABA provider. All four plans cover ABA as a medically necessary autism treatment.
⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.