(1) Through the Medicaid home and community services program for children with autism, the department determines a child is eligible to be considered for acceptance into the program if the child:

(a) is the age of 15 months through the age of four years;

(b) is eligible for Medicaid;

(c) is diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder and has adaptive disorder training needs as determined by the eligibility determination process established by the department.

(2) Eligible children are placed on the waiting list in accordance with ARM 37.34.1907.

(3) Eligible children turning five years of age are removed from the eligibility list on their fifth birthday.

(4) Eligible children are not required to have a diagnosis of mental retardation.