Medicaid waivers for autism in Washington
Children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism.
- Main program
- DDA waivers — Basic Plus, Core, CIIBS, IFS, Community Protection
- Typical wait
- Usually none — but enrolling in DDA is not the same as getting services
- Administered by
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Washington DSHS
How to get on the list
Apply for DDA enrollment through DSHS, submitting educational, psychological and medical records. Eligibility is determined within 30 days of them having everything. Once enrolled, contact your case resource manager and ask explicitly to be evaluated for CIIBS, Basic Plus and IFS.
Open the official Washington page →Does autism qualify?
Autism is within the DDA target population. Eligibility is established from documentation — educational, psychological and medical records — rather than a single diagnostic letter.
How the waiting list works
Washington is one of the better states on waiting: DDA waivers generally do not operate a queue, and eligibility determinations are made within 30 days of complete documentation. The catch is procedural rather than numerical. **Applying for DDA enrollment is not the same as requesting services.** Enrollment establishes that you qualify; you then have to ask separately to be assessed for a particular waiver. Families complete enrollment, hear nothing, and assume they are waiting in a queue when in fact no request is pending.
What it can pay for
- Respite
- Behavioral supports and consultation
- Personal care
- Employment and community inclusion
- Specialized equipment and environmental modifications
- Intensive in-home behavioral supports (CIIBS)
Other programs worth knowing
CIIBS — Children's Intensive In-Home Behavioral Supports
For children with significant behavioral needs at home. Limited slots, and the one most worth asking about early if your child is in crisis at home.
IFS — Individual and Family Services
Lower-intensity support for people living with family. Often the practical starting point.
Washingtonproviders & 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
- DSHS DDA — how to enrol and eligibility
- DSHS — Basic Plus Waiver brochure
- DSHS — Core Waiver brochure
- Informing Families — what DDA waivers cover
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.