Autism
How do I show that I have autism as an eligible condition?
To be considered for eligibility under the condition of autism you must be age four or older and have a diagnosis by a qualified professional which meets the conditions in subsection (1) or (2) of this section, as well as subsections (3), (4), and (5) of this section:
(1) Autistic disorder 299.00 per the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR); or
(2) Autism spectrum disorder 299.00 per the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), with a severity level of 2 or 3 in both columns of the severity level scale.
(3) The condition is expected to continue indefinitely with evidence of onset before age three.
(4) An acceptable diagnostic report includes documentation of all diagnostic criteria specified in the DSM-IV-TR or DSM-5.
(5) DDA will accept a diagnosis from any of the following professionals:
(a) Board certified neurologist;
(b) Board certified psychiatrist;
(c) Licensed psychologist;
(d) Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) associated with an autism center, developmental center, or center of excellence;
(e) Licensed physician associated with an autism center, developmental center, or center of excellence; or
(f) Board certified developmental and behavioral pediatrician.
If I have autism, how do I meet the definition of substantial limitations for DDA ?
If you have an eligible condition of autism, in order to meet the definition of substantial limitations you must meet the criteria in subsections (1) and (2) in this section:
If you have an eligible condition of autism, in order to meet the definition of substantial limitations you must meet the criteria in subsections (1) and (2) in this section:
(1) Documentation of an adaptive skills test score of more than two standard deviations below the mean as described in WAC 388-823-0740 and subject to all of WAC 388-823-0740 and 388-823-0750, and
(2) If your diagnosis is autism spectrum disorder per the DSM-5, documentation of a FSIQ of more than one standard deviation below the mean as described in WAC 388-823-0720 and subject to all of WAC 388-823-0720 and 388-823-0730.
(a) If you have a FSIQ score of one standard deviation below the mean or higher as described in WAC 388-823-0720, you may present additional documentation described in subitem (i) or (ii) in this subsection, signed by the diagnosing professional, which shows that you meet the criteria for autistic disorder 299.00 per the DSM-IV-TR:
(i) A completed autistic disorder confirmation form (available from DDA), or
(ii) Other documentation that provides the same information as required on the autistic disorder confirmation form.
(b) If you are unable to complete a FSIQ test, you may provide a statement by the diagnosing professional that your condition is so severe that you are unable to demonstrate the minimal skills required to complete testing.