Intake & Eligibility Criteria
Starting Intake
You can start the ID/A intake process for yourself or a family member by calling the ID/A Intake line at 215-444-2847.
After talking to our intake staff, you will be sent a letter outlining the documentation that must be submitted as part of the intake process. A full list of documentation that is required can be found by clicking here. If you still have questions about the ID/A intake process, please email Stephen Caughie.
Eligibility Requirements
Please click on the tabs below for more information on basic eligibility requirements for registration.
Intellectual Disability (ID)
Intellectual disability (ID) is a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It effects many everyday social and practical skills and emerges during the developmental period (birth to age 22).
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To be eligible for ID services through Bucks County BH/DP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Full-scale IQ score of 70 or below on a standardized intelligence test.
- Substantial functional limitations based upon a standardized assessment of adaptive functioning (either the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales [VABS] or Adaptive Behavioral Assessment Scales [ABAS])
- Two or more areas of limitation are required for registration.
- Three or more areas of limitation are required for Waiver eligibility.
- Diagnosis of intellectual disability from a qualified professional.
Autism (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition characterized by significant deficits in social communication and/or social interaction, and restricted/repetitive pattern of behaviors, interests or activities. It fully emerges during the developmental period (birth to age 22.)
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To be eligible for Autism services through Bucks County BH/DP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Applicants with autism must be enrolled in Medical Assistance. Click here if you would like to apply for Medical Assistance.
- Substantial functional limitations based upon a standardized assessment of adaptive functioning (either the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales [VABS] or Adaptive Behavioral Assessment Scales [ABAS])
- Three or more areas of limitation are required for both registration and Waiver eligibility.
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, based upon the results of a standardized diagnostic tool.
Intellectual Disability/Autism Eligibility Technical Notes
Intellectual Disability Eligibility Criteria
- Documents of origin (rather than citations of previous testing)
- Signed by the clinician
- Statement indicating that the test results are valid
- Standardized Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
- Overall Score-FSIQ of 70 or below
- Index Scores
- Subtest Scores
- Standardized Assessment of Adaptive Functioning
- Substantial limitations in three or more of the six areas of major life activity
- Vineland or ABAS
- Overall Scores-GAC or 70 or below
- Domain Scores
- Subdomain scores
- Subdomain scores are cross walked with the Six Areas of Major Life Activity to determine if there is substantial limitation
- 2 or more areas of substantial impairment (scores of 2 SD or more below the mean) for registration.
- 3 or more areas of substantial impairment (scores of 2 SD or more below the mean), for waiver enrollment
- Statement from the clinician that the test results indicate a diagnosis of Intellectual Disability.
Autism Eligibility Criteria
- Documents of origin (rather than citations of previous testing)
- Signed by the clinician
- Statement indicating that the test results are valid
- Standardized Diagnostic Assessment
- Examples:
- GARS
- CARS
- ASRS
- ADOS
- Scores
- Overall Score
- Sub scores
- Looking for results indicating a high likelihood of a diagnosis of autism.
- Examples:
- Standardized Assessment of Adaptive Functioning (for individuals w/ IQs <85)
- Substantial limitations in three or more of the six areas of major life activity
- Scores of 2SD below the mean
- Vineland or ABAS
- Overall Scores-GAC or 70 or below
- Domain Scores
- Subdomain scores
- Subdomain scores are cross walked with the Six Areas of Major Life Activity to determine if there are 3 or more areas of substantial impairment
- 3 or more areas of substantial impairment for registration and waiver enrollment
- Substantial limitations in three or more of the six areas of major life activity
- Statement from the clinician that the test results indicate a diagnosis of Autism.
- Standardized Assessment of Adaptive Functioning (for individuals w/ IQs 85 and above)
- Substantial limitations in three or more of the six areas of major life activity
- Scores of 1SD below the mean
- Vineland or ABAS
- Overall Scores-GAC or 71-85
- Domain Scores
- Subdomain scores
- Subdomain scores are cross walked with the Six Areas of Major Life Activity to determine if there are 3 or more areas of substantial impairment
- 3 or more areas of substantial impairment for registration and waiver enrollment
- Statement from the clinician that the test results indicate a diagnosis of Autism.
- Substantial limitations in three or more of the six areas of major life activity
Other Factors
- Current Testing - Individuals opened with testing prior to age 16 will need updated testing prior to waiver enrollment
- Consistency of test scores - While we understand that variation of scores can be seen over time, our preference is to see records with relative consistency in scores over time.
- Consistency of respondents - While we understand there can be some variation in scores between respondents, our preference is to see relative consistency among respondents.
- Consistency in Diagnosis - While we understand that diagnoses can vary over time, our preference is to see consistent diagnoses over time.
If you have any questions regarding this information, feel free to contact Stephen Caughie, ID/A Director at 215-444-2844 or email Stephen Caughie.