Study 1 personnel developed a detailed interview protocol and conducted in-depth interviews with Medicaid officials from seven states that have 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services waivers for individuals with autism. The focus of the interviews was to gather information on the facilitators and barriers to adoption of 1915(c) waivers in their states. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes. They will be used in the development of an online survey for all states.

• Summary of Study 1, Phase 1 (PDF)

A sample of 48 participants from previous Maryland statewide surveys of families using the Autism Waiver or on the Registry were identified by the Study 2 team and contacted about their willingness to participate in qualitative interviews. The team developed the interview protocol and a qualitative interviewer training package. Several interviewers were trained and some interviews were conducted. Analysis of the interview data began.

The online survey of Medicaid officials from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be developed and distributed. The questions will focus on the facilitators and barriers to adoption of autism waivers, the use of a range of Medicaid services to support children and youth with autism and the available services and supports for transition age youth with autism.

All of the qualitative interviews will be completed and transcribed. Analysis of the interview data will continue.

Analysis of the state survey data will be completed and a report will be written. Based on the state survey data, the Study 1 team will make recommendations to the Study 2 team for modifications to the Autism Services and Supports: Impact on Families Survey (formerly the Maryland Autism Services Survey).

Analysis of the qualitative interviews will continue and the Study 2 team also will work on revisions to the Autism Services and Supports: Impact on Families Survey in preparation for statewide administration.

The Study 1 team will write an article about their research and prepare for a conference presentation.

After completing survey revisions, the Study 2 team will pilot the Autism Services and Supports: Impact on Families Survey. The survey will be administered to Maryland families who are on either the Maryland Autism Waiver or Registry.

Survey data will be analyzed.

All of the outcomes will be shared with the project advisory board. The Study 2 team will prepare a final report, an article and a conference submission.