AUTISM CARE DEMONSTRATION POLICY CHANGES BENEFIT MILITARY FAMILIES

If you're an active-duty military family with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, you'll want to learn more about the comprehensive changes to the Autism Care Demonstration authorized by the Defense Health Agency. The changes expand the ACD to center around the needs of the individual child, integrating all potential services to achieve the best possible outcomes.

These updates to TRICARE's ACD program help TRICARE better address the needs of family members with ASD and give parents more input in developing the care plan for their child. Parent training is an important new focus of the ACD and providers must now start parent training within 30 days of the initial authorization period.

UNDERSTAND ACD CHANGES

The ACD changes should improve the quality of and access to care and services for military children and also increase parental input into their child's care plan. These changes should also increase the management and accountability of regional contractors and ABA providers.

Some highlighted improvements include:

An autism services navigator is assigned to new beneficiaries and will act as their primary care coordinator. (ASNs are assigned to those who don't currently receive ABA services under the ACD and started in the program after Oct. 1, 2021). The role of the autism services navigator includes:

Military families can benefit from their ASN who will:

WHAT DIDN'T CHANGE

Features of the ACD program that remain the same include:

GET MORE INFORMATION

Learn about new program features and how they might affect you and your family member:

If you have questions on ACD or need more information on the Exceptional Family Member Program (militaryonesource.mil/family- relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member), contact the EFMP Family Support staff on your installation (installations.militaryone- source.mil/?looking-for-a=program). You can also connect with Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or use live chat at livechat.military- onesourceconnect.org/chat to schedule an appointment with a special needs consultant. OCONUS/International? View calling options at militaryonesource.mil/international-calling-options Appointments are available seven days a week.•