Medicaid waivers for autism in Utah
People with intellectual disabilities or a related condition — which is the route autism takes in Utah — who need ongoing daily support.
- Main program
- DSPD Home and Community-Based Services Waiver
- Typical wait
- 3–7 years
- Administered by
- Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD), Utah DHHS
- Phone
- (844) 275-3773
- Age rules
- The qualifying limitations must have been present before age 22. There is no lower age limit — applying in early childhood is both allowed and advisable.
How to get on the list
Apply online through DSPD, or call 1-844-ASK-DSPD (844-275-3773) and choose the apply-for-services option to reach an intake worker. Once intake starts you have 90 days to complete it.
Open the official Utah page →Does autism qualify?
Autism is treated as a condition related to intellectual disability. Eligibility requires a formal diagnosis supported by IQ and adaptive testing, plus Medicaid financial eligibility.
How the waiting list works
Utah does not rank by application date. DSPD scores each applicant with a standardised Needs Assessment, and position on the list follows that score. Applying early does not by itself move you up the list — but you cannot be scored or ranked at all until you have applied, so there is no advantage in waiting.
What it can pay for
- Respite care
- Personal assistance and personal care
- Day supports and supported employment
- Behavioral supports
- Residential supports
Other programs worth knowing
Medicaid Autism Waiver — closed
Utah's autism-specific waiver is no longer accepting new applications. Families looking for autism services should apply to the Community Supports Waiver through DSPD intake instead. If you find guidance elsewhere telling you to apply to the Autism Waiver, it is out of date.
Utahproviders & resources →
Local help you can access now, while you wait.
Waivers explained →
What to do while you're on the list, and what to ask.
Sources · last checked August 2026
- DSPD — Medicaid waivers
- DSPD — applying for services
- DSPD — eligibility
- Utah Medicaid — Autism Waiver (closed)
Waiting lists and eligibility rules change. Always confirm current details with the agency before making decisions. If something here is out of date, tell us.