Autism Services

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What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person’s brain works. Scientists do not yet know the exact causes. ASD can affect people in different ways. A person may experience differences in social interaction, behavior, or communication. Many people with ASD also have unique ways of learning, focusing, or responding to their surroundings. ASD typically appears in early childhood and is part of a person’s life throughout their lifetime.

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a structured, evidence-based approach that uses a variety of strategies to support meaningful and positive growth in areas such as communication, social interaction, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each person receives an Individualized Intervention Plan, which breaks larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. ABA plans are tailored to the individual’s unique needs and may include an average of 5 to 25 hours of direct support each week, based on medical necessity. Services can be provided in the home, clinic, or community. ABA also includes training and active involvement for parents or guardians, so they can support progress between sessions. Treatment is designed to help develop skills and address behaviors that are important for the person’s daily life and well-being.

ABA focuses on increasing:

  • Academic/cognitive skills
  • Communication skills
  • Following instructions
  • Following typical daycare/classroom routines
  • Language skills
  • Peer interactions
  • Self-help and daily living skills
  • Social skills

Accessing the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Benefit

At DWIHN, there is “no wrong door” to begin the process of accessing services for an Autism evaluation. A referral can be made through the DWIHN Access Call Center in multiple ways.

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Famliy

Family or self-referral such as a parent, guardian, or other family member

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Medical providers

Primary care physicians, nurses, specialists, doctors 

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Treatment providers

Speech pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health therapists

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Education Providers

Teachers, early intervention or education providers

Step 1: Contact the DWIHN Access Call Center

Phone: 1-800-241-4949
Watch: Is My Child at Risk for Autism?

The Access Call Center will Verify Medicaid eligibility and the Autism Benefit.

Complete necessary screenings, including:

  • CMH Screening – to determine if the person should be scheduled for support coordination (SC) or case management (CM) services.
  • Autism Screening Tool – to identify if there are elevated symptoms of Autism that may require an evaluation appointment.

If the screening is positive: An evaluation appointment will be scheduled with one of the following agencies:

  • Social Care Administration (SCA)
  • The Children’s Center (TCC)
  • Sprout Evaluation Center (SEC)

If the screening is negative: The individual may request a re-screening later or provide documentation that supports Autism-related concerns.

Watch: Autism Evaluation & Applied Behavioral Analysis Services

Step 2: Support Coordination (SC) or Case Management (CM) Appointment

Attend this appointment to take part in Person-Centered Planning (PCP). This process will develop an Individualized Plan of Service (IPOS) that identifies personal goals and the services needed to support them.

Step 3: ADOS-2 Evaluation Appointment

Attend the evaluation to determine eligibility for the Autism Benefit.

  • Eligibility is reviewed every three years through a new diagnostic evaluation.
  • If approved, the family will choose an ABA provider from the DWIHN network.

Watch: ASD Diagnosis – Next Steps

Step 4: Behavioral Assessment Appointment

Work with your chosen ABA provider to complete a Behavioral Assessment. This will be used to create an individualized Treatment Plan for ABA therapy.

Step 5: ABA Therapy Begins

Once the Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Plan are approved and added to the IPOS, ABA services will be scheduled.

  • The family and provider will determine a start date.
  • Please note: It may take up to 90 calendar days from the date of ASD Benefit approval before one-to-one ABA services begin.

Resources

Autism Education and Supports Services

Evidence-Based Practice & Research Information

ASD Training & Certification Resources

Additional Educational Resources

Federal & State

Navigation Guides

ASD Forms, Guidelines, and Tools

ABA Provider Contact List

ASD Benefit Request Form

ASD Enrollment, Discharge, Transfer Form

Consent to Coordinate Care Form

DWIHN Outside Diagnostic Evaluation Form

DWIHN ASD Benefit Scanned Document Requirements

M-CHAT-R - With Scoring Guide

Physician Referral Form for Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening

Referral Procedure to Applied Behavior Analysis

Autism Brochure