Autism Services
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges and encompasses a range of conditions, including disorders previously referred to as pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger syndrome. ASD affects core domains such as social communication and interpersonal skills and motor and sensory processing and can include an increased prevalence of a range of co-occurring medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizure disorders and immune dysregulation. These symptoms can vary widely in type and severity among individuals. Early intervention for children with ASD can improve developmental outcomes, daily functioning, and social and community participation. Treatment options for ASD include a range of evidence-based interventions that can be tailored to each child’s needs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains data and statistics on ASD including prevalence data and other ASD-related studies.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Medicaid Guidance
In response to the increased interest and activity related to ASD, CMS has provided a series of information and guidance intended to increase awareness and understanding of ASD and the role that Medicaid can play in supporting beneficiaries with this diagnosis across the lifespan.
- State Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Toolkit – August 2026
- State Health Official Letter: Best Practices for Adhering to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) Requirements – September 2024
- Informational Bulletin: Clarification of Medicaid Coverage of Services to Children with Autism – July 2014
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Medicaid and CHIP Services to Address Autism – September 2014
- 2024 Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Beneficiaries at a Glance: Autism infographic – July 2024
Questions related to autism services may be directed to the autism services mailbox at AutismServicesQuestions@cms.hhs.gov.
Reports and Research
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Services: Final Report on Environmental Scan describes findings from the 2010 literature review of the scientific evidence regarding the efficacy, effectiveness, safety, and availability of ASD-related psychosocial services and supports for children, youth, and adults with ASD.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) State of the States of Services and Supports for People with ASD (January 2014) provides a nationwide summary of state services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and policies related to people with ASD.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
CMS is a statutory member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), a federal advisory committee that coordinates Federal efforts and provides advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For more information on the IACC, visit their webpage.
The 2022 HHS Report to Congress on Supportive Services for Individuals with Autism is a helpful resource describing federal autism services and support activities.
For additional Autism-related reports, visit the Publications page on the IACC website.