Nationally, autism affects 1 child in every 150, but the Department of Defense reports rates nearly twice that number. One of every 88 dependents of military personnel have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. To address the needs of this growing population, the DoD’s insurance provider, Tricare, provides coverage for $2,500 of behavioral services per month through its extended health care option (ECHO). Currently, Tricare requires service providers to be Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). The shortage of BCBAs in areas where military families are located has resulted in many children not receiving services. Currently, only 10% of the children diagnosed with ASD have been connected with BCBA services. In response to the shortage, the Department of Defense began piloting an “Enhanced Access to Autism Services” Demonstration Project one year ago. The Enhanced Access program provides tutors trained in Applied Behavior Analysis and supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts to supplement support for children.  Despite these efforts, the number of hours of intervention still fall far short of the recommendations based on behavioral research. Many families pay out of pocket for additional hours, while grassroots advocates lobby the military and congress for additonal support (U.S. News & World Report, 12/08). 

Military families attempting to receive ABA services face many challenges in securing services. One company, Autism Services North, works with families to connect them with providers. ASN is an approved provider in all three Tricare regions (North, West and South). ASN recruits qualified BCBAs across the country and does the legwork in setting up programs for children.

RESOURCES:

Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Autism Services North. Contact information:  Lisa Gibbner (Director of Operations); Paul Eschback (Director).

Department of Defense Report and Plan on Services to Military Dependent Children with Autism

Podcast Interview with Karen Driscoll, who is lobbying congress to increase services for military dependents with autism: