The Michigan Medicaid and MIChild Autism Benefit went into effect
on April 1, 2013. This Autism Benefit
provides children ages 18 months through 5 years old who have a medical diagnosis
of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
services.
ABA is a recommended service for children with Autism Spectrum
Disorder. It has been researched for
over 30 years and endorsed by the Surgeon General. ABA treatment can be used to address skills
and behaviors relevant to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ABA focuses on increasing:
·
Language skills
·
Social skills
·
Communication skills
·
Following instructions
·
Peer interactions
·
Academic/cognitive skills
·
Following typical
daycare/classroom routines
·
Self-help and daily living skills
The child and family will be provided the following evaluations
and assessments to determine eligibility for the Medicaid/MIChild Autism
Benefit and appropriate intensity of ABA services.
Step
1: Screening for ASD typically during a well-child visit by a pediatrician or
family physician, but anyone can refer a child for concerns of the child
showing early signs of ASD. The screening tool may be completed by the parent
and reviewed/verified by the practitioner.
-
Modified Checklist for Autism in
Toddlers (M-CHAT)
-
Social Communication Questionnaire
(SCQ)
Step
2: Complete the Diagnostic Evaluations to
verify the child has ASD.
-
Autism Diagnostic Observation
Schedule-2 (ADOS-2)
-
A developmental family history
interview like the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) or other similar
tool
Step
3: Develop the Plan of Service by
assessing the strengths of the child and develop goals the child will focus on
during the ABA services with the family and team.
-
Skills Assessments (Assessment of
Basic Language and Learning or VB-MAPP)
-
Cognitive testing within the first
quarter done at the same time as the adaptive behavior interview (VABS-2)
Step
4: Begin ABA services with ABA Aides or
behavioral technicians work 1:1 with the child in a variety of settings-home,
daycare, center, or community to work on goals outlined in the child's plan.
-
Services
are generally supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
By qualifying
for the Autism Benefit, the child may also be eligible for additional services
such as:
·
Speech Therapy
·
Occupational Therapy
·
Respite
·
Family Training
·
Community Living Supports
·
Physical Therapy
If there is a concern a child is showing signs of Autism Spectrum
Disorder and he/she is covered by Medicaid or MIChild, please contact your
local pediatrician or your Community Mental Health Service Program (CMHSP) for
assistance. See
Map
If the child is six years of age or older, please also contact
your local pediatrician or your Community Mental Health Service Program (CMHSP)
for assistance. There are other services available to assist children with ASD. See
Map
