The Midwest Adult Autism Project (MAAP) enables adults living with autism to learn new skills and participate in meaningful activity, with the ultimate goal of transitioning each individual to a community-based program, workshop or supported employment. MAAP is based on principles of applied behavior analysis and is designed to strengthen major areas of challenge for individuals with autism. Full-day programs are available Monday through Friday.

Program participants receive

  • Highly structured routines
  • Therapeutic environment that promotes skill building and helps to decrease maladaptive behaviors
  • Instruction in social and leisure skills, pre-vocational skills, community integration skills, activities of daily living, fitness and healthy living
  • Sensory integration therapy
  • Assessment for behavioral, occupational and speech-language therapies
  • Individually designed programs and therapy plans implemented by behavioral technicians based on therapist recommended goals

To be eligible, a participant must

  • Have a documented diagnosis of autism or significant need for behavior supports
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be medically stable
  • Have no limitation that precludes participation in groups
  • Have no toileting or feeding issues that cannot be managed within staff limitations
  • Not have active drug or alcohol abuse problems
  • Have the ability to benefit from cognitive enrichment and socialization/recreational activities to maintain and/or improve skills
  • Have the ability to benefit from program services as determined by a pre-admission team
  • Have access to funding or have the ability to private pay
  • Have a physician’s approval to participate in this program
  • Be enrolled in Medicaid, unless doing private pay

Program schedule and attendance policy

MAAP provides services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with approved funding. Program is available full time or part time based on funding available and participant needs. Upon admission, a schedule of program attendance will be coordinated with the participant. If the participant is unable to attend program, it is required that the participant or family notify the program staff. Regular and consistent attendance is necessary to maintain enrollment in the program and discontinuation of the program may be considered if attendance requirements are not met.

Funding options

Participation in MAAP can be funded through the Department of Mental Health – Developmental Disabilities Services or private pay. Unless doing private pay, a person wishing to participate in the program must meet the funding requirements of the state agency and meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid on a monthly basis to qualify for services.

Interested in our MAAP program?

For more information or to refer someone to the program,
contact Jodi Warden, Director of MAAP Program, at 314.983.9230 or jwarden@cssstl.org.