Autism Spectrum Therapies approved to deliver ABA services to TRICARE military insurance beneficiaries

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), an agency providing behavior therapy and other autism services in Southern California, has been approved to provide behavioral services for TRICARE military insurance beneficiaries. This designation makes AST eligible to deliver Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals with autism in military families in the San Diego area.

"Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most widely researched and scientifically-validated method for treating autism," explains Sabrina Daneshvar, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Regional Director for AST in San Diego. "All of our programs are based on ABA principles, and are designed to develop language and social skills through developmentally-appropriate play activities and natural family routines."

AST meets and/or exceeds all of the criteria to be a TRICARE-authorized service provider under the Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration. The agency:

• Implements ABA principles and targets behaviors associated with the core deficits of autism
• Focuses on changing behavior by observing and measuring behavior in real-life environments
• Uses scientific behavioral data to identify functional relationships between events and behavior
• Gathers behavioral data to track a child's progress in reaching objectives and periodically modify goals
• Trains family members/caregivers how to teach and support a child's skills during daily family activities
• Requires regular meetings between family members/caregivers and service providers and supervisors

"The availability of these services through TRICARE is very important, as most experts agree that early intervention can help ensure a child's long-term success," says Dr. Daneshvar. "There is a very narrow window of opportunity to make the greatest impact for children with autism. Consistent access to qualified service providers can be a challenge, especially for military families who move every few years."