We honor and recognize two important causes in April: Autism Acceptance Month and the Month of the Military Child. Previously known as Autism Awareness Month, Autism Acceptance Month aims to raise awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which currently impacts an estimated 1 in every 36 children. Meanwhile, the Month of the Military Child highlights the experiences and challenges faced by over 1.6 million children whose parents are in service. For military families, having a child diagnosed with ASD can add an extra layer to their already complex situation.
The 2020 TRICARE report to Congress reported that there were an estimated 34,361 military children with ASD. If your child has recently been diagnosed with ASD, you may feel overwhelmed as you learn how to manage and provide ongoing treatment.
Fortunately, TRICARE now covers applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for qualified beneficiaries diagnosed with ASD. This form of care can help foster social awareness, communication, independent living and more. In this article, we’ll discuss TRICARE’s Autism Care Demonstration and how your family can take full advantage of it.
Behavioral care services
At Maxim Behavioral, our empathy-based approach to ABA therapy uses psychological, educational and developmental techniques tailored to each child’s needs. Studies have shown that ABA techniques are a proven treatment method for treating individuals with ASD at any level.
Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) use evidence-based practices to assist with adaptive skills and independence, language and social development and minimize challenging behavior.
TRICARE Autism Care Demonstration
TRICARE is the Department of Defense’s worldwide healthcare program that provides care to eligible beneficiaries in the uniformed services. Active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members and their families may qualify for TRICARE.
The program covers appropriate and necessary ABA services for beneficiaries diagnosed with ASD through the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD). The ACD benefit is separate from the TRICARE medical benefit, and the specific services covered under the ACD are tailored to the needs and goals of the patient.
In order to qualify for the ACD, children must be covered under TRICARE and diagnosed and referred by an approved provider. Active-duty service members wishing to enroll their child for this benefit must also enroll in their service branch’s Exceptional Family Member Program and the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).
After enrollment, you and your child’s care team will identify goals and begin working with an authorized ABA provider like Maxim Behavioral. TRICARE will also assign your child an Autism Service Navigator to help develop a comprehensive care plan to set goals and track timelines.
About Maxim Behavioral
We continually grow our footprint of ABA and ASD-related services in offices nationwide. We pride ourselves in our compassionate, experienced and license and certified clinicians who are dedicated to ensuring your child receives appropriate care based on their needs.
ABA care highlights:
- Services in home, school, daycare and community settings
- BCBA supervision over all programs and clients
- Expertise in working with all ages and client needs
- Spanish speaking staff
Are you interested in Maxim’s behavioral care or military family services? Your local Maxim office can provide more information on the services available near you.
