Autism Waiver Services
Helping Families Access the Support Their Child Needs to Thrive at Home, at School, and in the Community.
Navigating autism services can feel overwhelming. Nurturing Minds Health & Wellness Center helps families understand their options and connect with appropriate Autism Waiver supports designed around the child's individual needs, strengths, goals, and family priorities.
Maryland's Autism Waiver is a home- and community-based Medicaid program designed to help eligible children with Autism Spectrum Disorder receive needed supports while remaining safely in their homes and communities.
Our approach is family-centered, individualized, and focused on meaningful participation in everyday life.
THE NURTURING MINDS DIFFERENCE
Why Families Choose Us and Why They Stay
Our Promise
Regardless of background or diagnosis, every person who walks through our doors will be welcomed with kindness, treated with respect, and cared for with excellence.
Our Commitment
Every interaction should leave families feeling heard, respected, informed, and supported. We believe exceptional outcomes begin with exceptional relationships.
The Nurturing Minds Standard
We are building the behavioral health organization that families confidently recommend, professionals trust, and communities rely on. Our goal is not to be the biggest provider-it is to become the standard by which exceptional family-centered care is measured.
Ready to get started?
"Different Backgrounds. Different Stories. One Standard of Exceptional Care."
Autism Waiver Support Designed Around Your Family
Respite Care (RC):
Temporary support that provides caregivers with a meaningful break from the ongoing responsibilities of caring for a child with significant support needs. Maryland describes respite as planned or emergency temporary support based on the needs of the participant and caregiver.
BENEFITS OF RESPITE CARE:
Reduced Caregiver Stress
Improved Family Balance
Increased Community Participation
Enhanced Family Well-Being
Peace of Mind
Continued Support for Your Child
Caring for your child. Supporting your family.
That's what we're here for.
Intensive Individual Support Services (IISS):
Personalized one-on-one support designed to help children develop and maintain functional skills, increase independence, and participate more successfully in home and community settings.
AREAS OF SUPPORT MAY INCLUDE:
Communication Skills
Social Skills
Daily Living Skills
Self-Care Skills
Community Participation
Recreation & Leisure Activities
Following Routines
Building Independence
Positive Behavior Supports
GOAL: Helping children gain confidence while developing meaningful life skills that support success at home and in the community.
Family Consultation (FC):
Education, consultation, and support for parents and caregivers to better understand and respond to their child's developmental, behavioral, and functional needs.
FAMILIES LEARN HOW TO:
Improve Communication
Strengthen Daily Routines
Support Skill Development
Address Challenging Behaviors
Build Positive Family Relationships
Create Consistency Across Environments
Increase Confidence at Home
Because strong families help children thrive.
Your Autism Waiver Journey
We Help Make the Process Easier to Understand. Getting started with Autism Waiver services can involve multiple people, documents, assessments, and decisions. We help families understand what happens next and what information they may need along the way.
Connect With Us
Tell us about your child, your family's needs, and the support you are currently seeking.
Discuss Your Child's Needs
Our team learns about your child's strengths, developmental needs, communication, behavior, daily routines, school supports, and family priorities.
Review Eligibility & Authorization
We help you understand the Autism Waiver requirements and identify the appropriate next steps based on your child's circumstances.
Develop an Individualized Plan
Services should reflect the child's individual needs and goals—not a one-size-fits-all model.
Coordinate With Your Support Team
We work within the child's authorized service plan and coordinate, as appropriate, with parents/caregivers, schools, service coordinators, and other members of the child's team.
Services Begin
Once services are appropriately authorized and scheduled, supports begin with ongoing communication, documentation, coordination, and family involvement.
SERVICES ARE PROVIDED:
In Your Home
In Your Community
We do not provide services within school settings.
Who's This Perfect For
Children and youth ages 1–21 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Families needing training, support, and individualized skill development
Caregivers seeking help with communication, routines, behavior, and daily living
Schools and community partners involved in coordinated care
Why Families Choose Us
Family Centered Care
Experienced Autism Professionals
Personalized Personal Plans
Flexible Scheduling
Home & Community-Based services
Compassionate & Responsive Team
Focus on Meaningful Outcomes
Eligibility Overview
The Autism Waiver has specific medical, technical, and financial eligibility requirements.
Generally, an eligible child must:
Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Be at least 1 year old and through the end of the school year in which they turn 21.
Meet the required ICF/IID level of care.
Have an IFSP or IEP.
If the child has an IEP, receive at least 15 hours per week of special education and related services, or meet the applicable Home and Hospital Program requirement.
Be able to remain safely in the community with Autism Waiver supports.
Meet applicable Medicaid financial eligibility requirements.
Not simultaneously participate in another Medicaid 1915(c) waiver.
Not sure whether your child qualifies?
You don't have to figure it out alone.
Contact our team to discuss your child's situation and learn what the appropriate next step may be.
Get in Touch With Us
INTAKE FORM
Please click the button below to complete our secure intake form. Ensure all required information is provided before submitting.
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About Us
We are committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and effective mental health care for individuals and families. Whether you're seeking therapy, counseling, or wellness support.
Nurturing Minds Health and Wellness, operates nonprofit community-based programs, including ThriveForward™ and Behavioral Health Advocates (BHA), focused on youth development, behavioral health equity, and community impact.
Contact Info
HQ Office : 18 Montgomery Dr, Ste 10, North East, MD, 21901
Office 2 : 9026 Liberty Rd, 1FL,STE 102, Randallstown MD 21133
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