Resources for Adults on the Spectrum

 

Government Benefits (State and Federal)

 Mass Health Common Health(State Benefit)

• Mass Health Common Health Mass Gov.
• MassHealth
• Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative – Mass Health services through Mass Health-under 21

 Social Security Income – SSI (Federal Benefit)

• Supplemental Social Security Benefit – SSI
• Adult Disability Starter Kit – SSI
• Understanding SSI Home Page 2016 Edition

Insurance Information and Resources

• Autism Insurance Resource Center
• BenePlan
• Mass Health Common Health Fact Sheet
• Healthcare Coverage for Adults with ASD -Frequently Asked Question
•  Local Health Centers that Assist with Mass Health Applications

 Mass Gov. Departments and Divisions

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

• Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – Mass. Gov.
• Eligibility Fact Sheet for Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders, Prader‐Willi Syndrome and Smith‐Magenis Syndrome
• DDS Eligibility Birth – 4  
• Solicitud de Elegibilidad para el DSD – Desde el Nacimiento hasta los 4 Años de Edad  
• DDS Eligibility Application for Ages of 5 – 22 and Ages 22 and Above  
• Solicitud de Elegibilidad para el DSD – Entre 5 y 22 años de edad & 22 años de edad o más  

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – (MRC)

• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) – Mass. Gov.
• MRC in Worcester
• MRC in Fitchburg
• MRC in Milford
• MRC in Sturbridge

MRC Independent Living Centers

• Independent Living Center Philosophy and Overview
• Center for Living and Working

 Department of Mental Health (DMH)

• DDS DMH Joint Agency Autism Plan
• Department of Mental Health – Mass. Gov.
• Applying for Mental Health Services
• Adult Application for DMH Mental Health Services (English)

DMH Clubhouse Programs

• Genesis Clubhouse – Worcester
• Westwinds Clubhouse – Fitchburg  ( must be DMH eligible)
• Tradewinds Clubhouse – Southboro ( must be DMH eligible)
  Options Clubhouse – Marlboro

 Diagnostic Resources

Diagnostic Centers

• UMass Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO) 
• Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Laurie Center – Lexington
• National Autism Center

Neuropsychologists (Referred by Families and Associates)

• Alan Rooney Psy.D (Takes Blue Cross /Blue Shield Only)
• Dr David Kent (Takes Mass Health &  Blue Cross /Blue Shield)
• Dr. David Nowell  (Takes Mass Health &  Blue Cross /Blue Shield)
• Dr. Robert Holloway (Takes Mass Health Only)

Primary Care Physicians (Referred by Families and Associates)

• Dr. Lester P. Mietkiewicz – North Grafton

Behavioral and Mental Health Resources

Emergency Mental Health Services

• Emergency Services Programs
• CHL Community Based Emergency Services – North Central & Worcester
• Riverside Community Care – South Valley
• UMass Memorial Medical Center Emergencies

Behavioral / Mental Health Agency Providers

• List of Mental Health Providers In Worcester 8/15
• Riverside Community Care – South Valley
• Perkins Behavioral Health Center – Lancaster, Mass Health and other Insurances

Psychiatrists (Referred by Families or Associates)

• Dr Steven Auster – Wellesley
• Dr Amjad BahnassiWorcester
• Dr Jean Frazier Worcester
• Dr Carole JohnsonWhitinsville
• Dr Keith LevyWestboro
• Dr Brian MazmanianFramingham
• Dr Peter Metz Worcester
• Dr. Christopher McDougalLexington
• Dr. Laura PolitteLexington

Therapists Experienced with High Level Autism /Aspergers – Referred by Families or Associates

•  Troy LeBlanc, LMHC – North Central Mass Health & Major Insurances
•  Fran Peterson, MEd,CAGS,LMHC – Fallon, BC/BS, Private Pay
• John Bonina, LICSW – Worcester – Various Insurances
• Perkins Behavioral Health Center – Lancaster, Mass Health and other Insurances

 Vocational / Employment Resources

• The Spectrum Careers
• Ticket to Work
• Forward Motion Coaching
• Jobs Without Limits
• Work Without Limits
• Employment First
• Workforce Central -Worcester
• North Central Career Centers
• Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• Reach Hire MA
• Youth Build /Training Resources of America -Worcester

Transportation Resources

• Worcester Regional Transit Authority
• Worcester Paratransit
• Montachusett Transit Authority
• Montachusett Transit Authority ADA Program
• Montachusett Transit Authority ADA Van Service
• RideMatch
• Mass RIDES
• MetroWest Regional Transit Authority – Milford Area
• MetroWest Regional Transit Authority ADA Paratransit
• Transportation – Resources By Type – Resources in MetroWest 

Driving Resources

• Taking the Wheel:Driving with Disabilities
• Great Big Guide to Driving with Disabilities 
• Driversprep.com
• Central Mass. Safety Council, Inc. CMSC Auto School Inc.
• The Official Website of Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
• Adaptive Driving Program Inc. – Dedham

Housing Resources

• Autism Housing Pathways
• Section 8 made simple Family Support Centers
• Autism Housing Pathways Webinar– Thinking about Housing

Family Support Centers

• Seven Hills Family Support Centers – Worcester/Fitchburg/Sturbridge
• Kennedy-Donovan Center – Milford

Autism Spectrum Agencies, Resources & Organizations

High Cognitive Autism Agencies / Programs in MA

 

• Asperger/Autism Network ( AANE) 
• Mass General Hospital Aspire Program: Adult High Cognitive Spectrum Disorders

High Cognitive Autism Informational Resources

• Asperger’s Disorder Homepage

Autism Spectrum Organizations

 

• AFAM- Advocates for Autism Massachusetts
• ASAN – Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Autistic Women’s Network 
• Advancing Futures For Adults with Autism
• Autism Coalition of MA
• Autism Consortium
• Autism National Committee
• Autism Society of America – MA chapter
• National Autism Association
• Autism Speaks
• Doug Flutie Jr Foundation
• US Autism and Asperger Association 
• Interactive Autism Network (IAN)

Disability Information and Resources

• New England Index
• Institute for Community Inclus
•  Mass Families Organizing for Change
• Family Ties
• Disability Law Center
• Benefits Disability.Gov.
• Mass Office on Disabilities (ADA)

College and Post High School Education

Resources on Preparing for College

• Transitioning to college tip sheet
• ARC Massachusetts Preparing for College Rethinking College