Autism in Maryland: What You Need to Know
The Numbers
Getting a handle on autism rates is key for families and professionals dealing with autism services in Maryland. The CDC says about 1 in 36 kids in the U.S. has autism. But in Maryland, it’s a bit more common, with 1 in 50 kids diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
| Statistic | Value |
| National Rate (CDC) | 1 in 36 kids |
| Maryland Rate | 1 in 50 kids |
These numbers show how important it is to have good autism services and resources in Maryland. Parents, teachers, and professionals need to know these stats to better support kids with autism and find the right services. For more details on what’s available, check out autism resources in Maryland or look into autism schools in Maryland. Joining autism support groups in Maryland can also be a great way to get community support and info.
Getting Autism Services in Maryland
Getting autism services in Maryland can be a bit of a maze, especially with the long waits and costs involved. Knowing what to expect can make things a lot easier for families.
Cutting Down the Wait
In Maryland, the wait for autism services can be painfully long—sometimes up to 8 or 9 years for the state’s Autism Waiver. But there’s some good news. Governor Larry Hogan signed a law (SB636/Chapter 464) to cut that wait time in half by 2024. This is a big deal for families who need help sooner rather than later.
| Year | Estimated Wait Time |
| Now | 8-9 years |
| Goal (2024) | 4 years |
The Cost of Autism Care
Taking care of a child with autism isn’t cheap. The CDC says it can cost an extra $17,000 a year, and for kids with severe autism, it can go up to $21,000.
Insurance can help a lot. Many states, including Maryland, require insurance companies to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This means families might only have to pay the deductible for each session.
| Type of Funding | What It Covers |
| Insurance | Families pay just the deductible for ABA therapy sessions. |
| School Funding | Schools might cover the full cost of ABA therapy if assessments and applications are approved. |
There are also financial centers and scholarship programs that can help with the costs. They won’t cover everything, but every bit helps.
Knowing about these costs and resources can help families make better decisions for their kids.
Types of Autism Services Available
In Maryland, there are several autism services to help children and families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Two main types of services include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy coverage options and school-funded ABA therapy.
ABA Therapy Coverage Options
Insurance-covered ABA therapy can be a lifesaver for many families. In Maryland, insurance companies are required to cover ABA therapy for kids with autism. With this coverage, families usually just pay the deductible for each session, making it more affordable.
Here’s a quick look at what you might pay under different insurance plans:
| Insurance Plan Type | Patient Cost (Deductible) | Coverage Percentage |
| In-Network Provider | $20 – $50 per session | 70% – 100% |
| Out-of-Network Provider | $50 – $100 per session | 50% – 70% |
It’s a good idea to check your specific insurance policy to know exactly what you’ll owe when getting ABA therapy.
School-Funded ABA Therapy
School-funded ABA therapy is another great option for Maryland families. In this case, the school district covers the cost of ABA therapy. The school will assess the child’s needs, and if approved, families can get full coverage for ABA therapy expenses.
Schools understand that early intervention is crucial for kids with autism, which can really boost their educational outcomes. Parents interested in this should contact their local school district to learn about the application process and assessments needed.
Besides these services, some financial centers might offer support or scholarships for ABA therapies, which can help ease the financial load.
Licensing and Regulation in Maryland
Getting a grip on the licensing and regulation of autism services in Maryland is key to making sure individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) get top-notch care. Let’s break down what you need to know about behavior analyst licensure and the criminal history records check for practitioners in the state.
Behavior Analyst Licensure
Back in 2014, Maryland passed a law that put behavior analysis practice under the microscope. Since January 2015, anyone practicing behavior analysis needs a license from the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. This rule ensures that practitioners hit certain educational and professional benchmarks, giving families peace of mind when seeking services for their kids.
Here’s what you need to get that license:
| Requirement | Details |
| Education | A master’s degree or higher in behavior analysis or a related field |
| Experience | Supervised experience in behavior analysis |
| Examination | Pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam |
Licensing keeps the bar high for autism services in Maryland, making sure professionals have the right skills and know-how.
Criminal History Records Check
Part of getting your behavior analyst license involves a criminal history records check (CHRC). This step was added to boost the safety and well-being of those receiving autism services. You gotta get the CHRC done before you send in your license application.
The CHRC is there to spot any red flags in an applicant’s past. This process helps build trust between families and service providers, ensuring that those working with vulnerable folks have been thoroughly checked out.
Support Programs in Maryland
Maryland’s got some fantastic support programs for folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. These programs help with skills development, job readiness, and making smooth transitions into college and the workforce.
Virtual College Autism Mentoring
The Virtual College Autism Mentoring Program (VCAMP) is a game-changer for college students on the autism spectrum. This virtual mentoring program helps students tackle college life, focusing on self-advocacy, social skills, and overall success.
VCAMP is open to students in both in-state and out-of-state two- or four-year colleges not in the Pathways program. Participants get personalized guidance, making their college experience smoother and boosting their chances of academic success.
Pre-Employment Autism Support
The Pre-Employment Autism Support (PEAS) program, part of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), is tailored for students with Autism. This program offers crucial training in self-advocacy and social skills, prepping students for the working world.
Participants dive into activities that build the soft skills needed for getting and keeping a job. The focus is on real-world applications, helping students gain confidence and competence in professional settings.
These programs are essential for supporting individuals with autism as they move into higher education and the job market.
Organizations Supporting Autism in Maryland
Maryland is home to several organizations dedicated to helping individuals with autism and their families. Two standout groups are Pathfinders for Autism and the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake.
Pathfinders for Autism
Started in 2000 by parents of children with autism, Pathfinders for Autism has grown into Maryland’s largest autism organization. They aim to improve the lives of people affected by autism through a variety of free programs and resources. They offer workshops, webinars, and fun events like the T.G.I.F Online Yoga Series and BINGO nights. They even host activities like the Horse Jumping Show at the Baltimore Ag Center, which helps families get involved and stay active.
Pathfinders also runs a Resource Center that provides up-to-date information for Maryland families. Their staff is ready to answer questions and offer support through their Help Line at 443-330-5341. If you want to help, you can donate, volunteer, or join their mailing list.
Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake
The Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake is another key player in supporting individuals with autism and their families. They focus on advocacy, understanding, and awareness. They offer resources and programs to empower individuals with autism and improve family life.
The Autism Society hosts events and workshops to educate families about autism services in Maryland and encourage community involvement. Their activities include support groups, informational sessions, and social events that help families connect.
Organizations like the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake and Pathfinders for Autism are essential in creating a supportive environment for individuals with autism in Maryland.
Resources and Programs in Maryland
Hussman Institute for Autism
The Hussman Institute for Autism is a big deal in Maryland for folks with autism. They’re not just about research (though they do a ton of that), but they also run training and educational programs to help people with autism learn new skills and reach their potential. Imagine a place where science meets real-life application – that’s Hussman for you.
They team up with families and professionals to make sure what’s learned in the lab gets used in everyday life. This mix of research and hands-on help makes them a go-to for families looking for autism support in Maryland.
Maryland Department of Disabilities
The Maryland Department of Disabilities is like the Swiss Army knife of support for people with autism and other disabilities. They offer everything from info and referrals to job support and financial help. These services are key to helping folks live on their own and be active in their communities.
Families can tap into programs that help with daily living, getting involved in the community, and job training. The department is all about creating an inclusive environment, making it a must-know resource for autism services in Maryland.
SOURCES:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/advocacy-news/maryland-reduces-waitlist-autism-services-half
https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/analysts.aspx
https://pathfindersforautism.org/
