Support for families living with autism

Treatment for autism may include ABA therapy, which involves special behavioral training that rewards good behavior. By using positive reinforcement, children can be taught communication, self-help and social skills and how to help themselves as they grow older. 

Specialized treatment may also include programs like speech, occupational and physical therapies. These therapies are important components of managing ASD and may be included in the child's treatment program. The exact treatment your child will need depends on their unique symptoms and may change over time. 

Coverage for these treatments falls within two categories: mental health services and medical services. The services described here are typical for autism but will vary from child to child. 

Medical services

Be sure to call Blue Cross before beginning a new service or working with a new provider to verify medical benefits and coverage.

• Speech therapy develops language and social skills for more effective communication.
• Occupational and physical therapies focus on coordination and motor skills. Occupational therapy can also help your child develop methods to process sensory information (sight, sound, touch and smell) in more manageable ways.

Mental health services

Call Blue Cross before beginning a new service or working with a new provider to verify mental health benefits and coverage as well.

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA), early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI)-commercial plans, and early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention (EIDBI)-Minnesota Health Care programs are terms often used interchangeably. The range of services under ABA, EIBI, and EIDBI all fall within the same benefit category. 

ABA, when implemented at an early age, can help children develop important milestones pertinent to learning, such as basic skills like looking, listening and imitating. ABA therapy is implemented by a one-to-one therapist to teach, prompt and shape appropriate replacement behaviors using positive reinforcement, while modifying the environment to reduce challenging behaviors. ABA utilizes family/caregiver training to generalize skills to help children develop more complex skills such as reading and holding a conversation, as well as identifying basic emotions. 

EIBI uses multiple approaches and methods to treat young children, usually between the ages of 2 and 6. 

• Group therapy works on developing social skills with peers. The sessions are usually held once a week for one to two hours.
• Individual therapy provides one-on-one treatment with a trained therapist. These sessions provide a safe, caring and confidential environment where children can explore feelings, beliefs or behaviors, work through challenging or influential memories and identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change or make better.
• Family therapy helps family members improve communication and resolve conflicts.
• Psychological testing assesses cognitive and emotional function using written, visual and verbal evaluations.