State guide
District of Columbia
Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in District of Columbia. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.
District of Columbia overview
DC's Department on Disability Services (DDS) administers the Home and Community-Based Waiver for adults with developmental disabilities. The District's small geography means services are concentrated, but the system can still be complex to navigate. For early intervention, contact Strong Start DC. COPE (Collaborative for Parent Empowerment) serves as DC's PTI center for special education advocacy. The Arc of DC and the Autism Society of the National Capital Area provide community programs and family support. The Children's National Medical Center is DC's major pediatric autism evaluation and treatment resource.
Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.
⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist
DDA HCBS Waiver (adults 18+); children use DC Medicaid with EPSDT
Typical wait: A waiting list activated on 1 January 2026, sorted by need category
The DDA waiver serves adults 18 and over. For a child, the route is DC Medicaid plus EPSDT and habilitative services — not the waiver. Call 202-730-1700, or the Waiver Unit on 202-730-1556.
DC activated a waiver waiting list on 1 January 2026, with priority, emergency, urgent and non-urgent categories.
Statewide resources
These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.
Parent Training & Information (PTI)
Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE)(202) 678-8060
Federally funded — free help with IEPs, evaluations, and special ed rights.
Early Intervention (Birth to 3)
DC Early Intervention Program (DDS)(202) 727-5977
Part C IDEA services for children under 3. Apply immediately after diagnosis.
Medicaid / HCBS Waiver
DC Medicaid HCBS Waiver — DD (DDS)State waiver program for home and community-based services. Apply the day of diagnosis.
State Autism Organization
Autism Society of DCState-level autism advocacy, family support, and community connection.
Insurance Coverage
Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in District of Columbia.
No state ABA insurance mandate
No private insurance mandate in DC, but DC Medicaid (Healthy Families/Alliance) covers ABA therapy for children under 21. Families with private insurance should file under mental health parity if ABA is denied.
Medicaid Waiver
Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in District of Columbia.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
DC Department on Disability Services (DDS)
Typical wait time
2-5 years
Coverage highlights
- ✓Respite
- ✓Supported Living
- ✗Therapy
- ✓Employment Supports
DC DDS manages waivers and other services for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. The agency provides an intake and eligibility process to determine appropriate supports. Families should contact DDS early to begin the registration and assessment process.
How to apply
Medicaid Managed Care
How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in District of Columbia.
DC Medicaid (AmeriHealth Caritas DC)
Covers ABA through under 21How to find your plan
Visit dhs.dc.gov/medicaid or call 1-800-620-7802. Your plan name is on your Medicaid card.
Major plans in this state
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC
- MedStar Family Choice DC
DC Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children under 21 through managed care plans. The District contracts with a small number of MCOs. Prior authorization is required for ABA services, and your provider must be enrolled in DC Medicaid to bill for services.
⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.