Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing serious, developmental disability, affecting an estimated one out of 59 children in the United States. With this number growing at a significant rate, there continues to be an unmet need for services.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of many services available for Medicaid members, age 20 or younger, who have a diagnosis of ASD.
What is ABA?
ABA is a treatment approach provided by specialists called licensed behavior analysts (LBAs). If your child is eligible, ABA can help:
- Encourage positive and adaptive behaviors.
- Apply skills across everyday settings so they can improve their health, safety or independence.
A variety of ABA techniques have been developed for building useful skills in people with autism – from toddlers through adulthood. Some of these techniques include:
- Reinforcement
- Shaping
- Chaining
- Modeling
- Prompting
- Fading
- Discrimination learning
- Task analysis using teaching formats such as discrete trial teaching
How can you get ABA services for your child?
Your child will need an evaluation to determine if they qualify for Medicaid ABA services. To learn more, call:
- Your child’s primary care provider. (They will have to check the criteria needed for the diagnosis of ASD in Texas Medicaid.)
- Community First Member Services at 1-800-434-2347
- The Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Contact Center at 800-925-9126
How Do ABA services work?
ABA services can be delivered in the home, community, or in a clinic by an LBA. When you meet with an LBA:
- They’ll work with your child and your family to create a treatment plan. Your child and family will learn strategies to use at home and in the community — wherever your family goes.
- They can coordinate with your child’s therapists and other providers up to twice a year to ensure a team approach to your child’s treatment.
How do I find an LBA?
To find an LBA, you can use TMHP’s Online Provider Look-up tool or Community First’s online Provider Directory.
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