Connecticut’s new slots for autism services sit empty, even as hundreds of families wait for help

Connecticut Public – Thursday, December 4, 2025
By Sujata Srinivasan, Maysoon Khan

It’s nearing bedtime for Keighan Kosminoff at his home in Hamden. The 18-year-old talks to himself while playing a video game, drawing from his vivid imagination.

“Mommy, the gingerbread is stealing the Keighans,” he shouts. “We must save those Keighans from the gingerbread.”

Keighan has autism and relies on his mother for help with daily activities. Karen Kosminoff, a single parent, juggles working full-time with household chores, caring for a pet and helping Keighan with school, meals and transportation.

Kosminoff believes her son could learn to accomplish more on his own if the family had additional support.

“He needs help to become independent, because I believe he’s capable,” she says. “But things like life coaches aren’t covered by insurance, and I can’t afford them.”

In Connecticut, a program supported by the federal Medicaid system provides the types of services the family needs to build Keighan’s independence. It pays for respite care, a live-in companion, job coaching and more.

But demand far exceeds the program’s capacity. Kosminoff received a letter from the state in 2015 informing her that while Keighan is eligible, there are no slots available, and his name has been added to the waitlist.

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