Autism Services for Adults in Connecticut: A Complete Guide

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional advice from your state Medicaid office, vocational rehabilitation counselor, or disability rights attorney.

The transition to adult services in Connecticut — sometimes called the "services cliff" — hits around age 21 when school-based supports end (age 22 when a student continues eligibility under state law). Connecticut is one of the few states with a dedicated Autism Waiver for individuals without co-occurring intellectual disability — a critical difference from most states where autistic adults without ID often fall through gaps. This guide walks you through adult autism services in Connecticut — the DSS Autism Waiver, the DDS Comprehensive and Individual/Family Support waivers, the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), day programs, supported living, SSI/SSDI, and how to begin transition planning before your young adult ages out.

The timeline: start transition planning by age 14

Federal IDEA law requires transition planning to begin at age 16, and Connecticut districts commonly begin earlier — around age 14. Ask your school's PPT (Planning and Placement Team) to:

• Conduct transition assessments (vocational, functional, adaptive)
• Write measurable post-secondary goals into the IEP
• Invite Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) counselors by age 16
• Connect with DDS and (if applicable) DSS Autism Waiver case managers before exit

Your district can invite BRS, DDS, and DSS representatives to the PPT meeting.

Step 1: Determine which agency serves your family member

Connecticut splits adult autism services between two state agencies — a distinction that matters more here than in most states:

• Department of Developmental Services (DDS) — for individuals with intellectual disability, with or without co-occurring autism. Runs the Comprehensive and Individual/Family Support Waivers.
• Department of Social Services (DSS) — runs the Connecticut Autism Waiver for individuals ages 3+ with autism and no co-occurring intellectual disability.

If your adult child's IQ and adaptive functioning put them above the intellectual-disability threshold (historically around IQ 70 with corresponding adaptive limitations), the DSS Autism Waiver may be the primary path. If they qualify for DDS, that system typically offers broader adult services and a wider provider network.

Contact both systems early to determine eligibility — the paths are not mutually exclusive to explore, but enrollment is agency-specific.

Step 2: Connecticut Adult IDD / Autism Waivers

Connecticut Autism Waiver (DSS)

Connecticut's dedicated waiver for individuals ages 3+ with autism and no co-occurring intellectual disability. It funds:

• Social skills training and community mentoring
• Life skills coaching
• Behavioral support / clinical behavioral services
• Respite — for families
• Assistive technology
• Vocational and educational supports (in some configurations)

Slots are limited and a waitlist is common. Enrollment is managed through DSS.

DDS Comprehensive Supports Waiver

For individuals with intellectual disability (which may include co-occurring autism). It funds:

• Day services — structured day programs with community integration
• Residential services — group homes, Community Living Arrangements (CLAs), and supported living
• Employment supports — individual job placement with coaching
• Behavioral services — positive behavior support, BCBA oversight
• Respite
• Transportation and adaptive equipment

DDS Individual and Family Support (IFS) Waiver

A lower-cost waiver for individuals with intellectual disability living with family — emphasizes respite, family supports, day services, and community engagement, without the residential budget of the Comprehensive Waiver.

Step 3: Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

Connecticut BRS — part of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) — is the state's vocational rehabilitation agency. Services include:

• Vocational counseling — career assessment, job matching, skills identification
• Job training — trade skills, on-the-job training, credentials
• Supported employment — job coach during ramp-up
• Assistive technology — communication devices, software, adaptive equipment
• Transition services — overlapping with IEP transition ages 14–21, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
• Secondary education support — help with college, trade school, or credential programs

BRS runs separately from DDS and DSS — you can use BRS alongside waiver services. Apply through your nearest BRS office and develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

BRS is a federal-state funded program and may apply an "order of selection" waitlist in lean years. Apply early.

Step 4: Day Programs & Supported Employment in Connecticut

Common adult day service models funded through DDS waivers:

• Day Services Option — structured day habilitation with community integration
• Individual Supported Employment (IE) — competitive integrated employment with job coaching
• Group Supported Employment — small crews working in community settings
• Community Experiences / Community Companion Home programs
• Employment services co-funded with BRS

Major provider networks in Connecticut:

• MARC (Meriden Adult Resource Center) and other regional ARCs
• Kennedy Collective (Bridgeport area)
• SARAH Inc. (shoreline / New Haven)
• Journey Found
• Oak Hill
• Continuum of Care

Your DDS case manager or DSS Autism Waiver coordinator helps match providers to your family member's needs and geographic area.

Step 5: Housing Options for Adults with Autism in Connecticut

Connecticut funds several supported housing models:

• Community Living Arrangements (CLAs) — small group homes with 24/7 staff, funded through DDS
• Community Companion Homes (CCH) — adult lives with a contracted host family
• Supported Living — individual or shared apartments with drop-in staff support
• Individualized Home Supports (IHS) — person-centered supports in the individual's own home
• ICF/IID — Intermediate Care Facility for highest-level medical and behavioral oversight
• Home and Family Supports — waiver-funded supports for adult to continue living with family

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through local housing authorities, Section 811 supportive housing, and Connecticut's Supportive Housing for Individuals can stack with waiver-funded supports.

Step 6: SSI and SSDI for Autistic Adults

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

For adults who cannot work enough to support themselves. In Connecticut, SSI approval generally triggers automatic HUSKY Health (Medicaid) enrollment, and Connecticut adds a State Supplement Program payment to federal SSI.

• Apply through SSA.gov or your nearest Social Security office
• Expect a 6–12 month application process; most initial applications are denied
• Appeal within 60 days if denied
• Approval often requires a functional capacity evaluation and medical documentation

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

For adults with a qualifying work history or as a "disabled adult child" drawing on a parent's work record. More generous than SSI and includes Medicare after 24 months.

The Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit is especially important — if your child became disabled before age 22 and a parent is now retired, deceased, or disabled, your adult child may qualify for SSDI on the parent's record at significantly higher rates than SSI. Connecticut's Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities (MED-Connect) also lets working adults retain Medicaid at higher income levels.

Step 7: Connecticut-Specific Advocacy & Resources

• Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) — federally designated protection & advocacy agency, free legal advocacy
• The Arc Connecticut — statewide family advocacy, peer mentoring, self-advocacy
• Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN) — statewide resource referrals and family support
• Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities — statewide policy body
• UConn UCEDD (Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) — family training and technical assistance
• Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) — Parent Training and Information Center
• Connecticut 2-1-1 — community resource navigation hotline

Common pitfalls to avoid

1. Not determining the right agency (DDS vs. DSS) early. Eligibility criteria differ. Explore both as soon as possible.
2. Assuming school services transfer. They don't. Adult services are separate and require new applications.
3. Forgetting to reapply for HUSKY/Medicaid at 18. Household composition changes at adulthood.
4. Signing away conservatorship reflexively. Consider supported decision-making first; Connecticut recognizes supported decision-making agreements.
5. Overlooking BRS. Many families focus only on DDS/DSS and miss the vocational path — both can run simultaneously.
6. Not planning for the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit. Often the single largest financial lever for autistic adults.

Where to start today

1. Contact DDS and (if your adult child does not have a co-occurring intellectual disability) DSS Autism Waiver intake to determine eligibility for each
2. Apply to Connecticut BRS if your adult child is not yet working or in vocational training
3. Apply for SSI if appropriate — the process takes months
4. Schedule a PPT transition meeting for your 14+ year old if not already done
5. Connect with The Arc Connecticut or CPAC for a family mentor

Find Connecticut adult services in the Autism Hearts directory →

View the Connecticut diagnosis guide if you haven't already →