Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of challenges in social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism is highly diverse, presenting a wide array of strengths and needs. This complexity demands a nuanced and individualized approach to treatment.
“Our goal isn’t to ‘cure’ autism — instead, we seek to provide autistic individuals with the skills they want to live the lives they choose.”
Katherine Wooten, LCSW, BCBA, CCM – Senior Director, Autism Resource Program
What makes autism different?
One key differentiator is the early onset of symptoms in autism. Signs may appear in children as early as 18 months old, making early intervention crucial. Identifying signs of ASD in the first few years of life sets the stage for more supported developmental trajectories. Another key difference is that our goal isn’t to “cure” autism — instead, we seek to provide autistic individuals with the skills they want to live the lives they choose.
Autism treatment approaches
Research has shown that early intervention significantly improves outcomes for individuals with ASD. During the critical developmental period of early childhood, targeted interventions can yield significant enhancements in language, social skills and cognitive abilities. Programs designed for early intervention, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI), speech therapy and occupational therapy, can be tailored to address the unique needs of children with autism, helping them to maximize their potential.
ABA has shown remarkable success in improving communication, social interactions and adaptive behaviors in children with ASD. By breaking down skills into manageable tasks and reinforcing positive behaviors, ABA fosters essential life skills crucial for daily functioning.
Paths to tailored care
Understanding the different aspects of ASD and the resources available can make it easier for those affected. Some avenues to the right care include:
Early intervention advocacy
Educating parents about recognizing early signs and seeking professional help can significantly impact a child’s developmental trajectory. Connect members with informational materials, webinars and expert guidance to equip parents with the tools needed for early intervention.
Holistic case management
A holistic case management approach considers the various facets of a child’s need — not just medical interventions, but educational, social and emotional support. By addressing the holistic needs of the child, providers can foster overall well-being and development.
Customized care plans
Understanding that each child with autism is unique, it’s crucial for providers to work closely with families to create customized care plans. These plans consider the child’s strengths, challenges, developmental milestones, preferences and values, ensuring that interventions are tailored to meet specific needs.
Coordination of care services
To address the continued care process, it benefits health plans and providers to partner with a care management liaison between families and the diverse array of care options available. Coordinating these services includes facilitating communication between health care providers, therapists, educators, and other stakeholders involved in the child’s care, ensuring a seamless and integrated approach to treatment.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive health plans should cover the spectrum of autism care, including diagnostic assessments, therapies, medications and assistive technologies. By working closely with health plans, we can help eliminate barriers to accessing essential services for families affected by autism.
Network considerations
Autism frequently comes with comorbidities such as epilepsy, gastrointestinal disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. However, in many medical and behavioral health specialties, there is a dearth of practitioners who are prepared to support autistic patients. Health plans should be prepared to attract and develop practitioners with this skill set.
Lucet’s Autism Resource Program provides members with assistance in managing the ASD benefit provided by their health care policy. Lucet care managers, specially trained in treating ASD, help families navigate the array of specialized services available for children with autism by guiding parents to the right options for their child’s unique requirements.
We understand that navigating the intricate path of autism care requires a dedicated and tailored approach. Our teams collaborate with health plans to empower families with the knowledge and support they need. By emphasizing the importance of early intervention, providing customized care plans, and advocating for comprehensive health coverage, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children with autism and their families.
Katherine Wooten, LCSW, BCBA, CCM, is senior director of the Autism Resource Program at Lucet, The Behavioral Health Optimization Company.
