TRICARE & Autism
What is TRICARE?
TRICARE is the uniformed services health care program for active duty service members (ADSMs), active duty family members (ADFMs), National Guard and Reserve members and their family members, retirees and retiree family members, survivors, and certain former spouses worldwide.
TRICARE brings together the health care resources of the Military Health System—such as military hospitals and clinics—with a network of civilian health care professionals, institutions, pharmacies, and suppliers to foster, protect, sustain, and restore health for those entrusted to their care.
TRICARE is managed in two separate regions state side.
West Region: Health Net; www.tricare-west.com
East Region: Humana Military; www.tricare-east.com
Anywhere outside of the U.S. is considered overseas; www.tricare-overseas.com
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.
Applied Behavior Analysis involves many techniques for understanding and changing behavior. ABA is a flexible treatment:
Can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique person
Provided in many different locations – at home, at school, and in the community
Teaches skills that are useful in everyday life
Can involve one-to-one teaching or group instruction
ABA is not a basic TRICARE benefit thus, we have the Autism Care Demonstration. The TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) covers applied behavior ABA services. Under the ACD, ABA services are authorized to target the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ACD began on July 25, 2014. It will continue as currently authorized through December 31, 2023.
Below, is a roadmap for navigating TRICARE programs to access ABA for your child. Additionally, you will find other organizations that were created to specifically help military families with children with Autism and other special needs, navigate the needs of their child and the complications of military life.
Below is a webinar by the founders of Mission Alpha Advocacy. This webinar provides information on what to do when your child is first diagnosed with autism, navigating the ACD, and a review of the organizations listed on this page..
Get Help
MAA is a military-focused national 501(c)(4) nonprofit that advocates for legislative policies that support equal access to healthcare and education for military-connected families with exceptional needs.
Current Initiatives: Autism Care Demonstration - ensuring military-connected children diagnosed with autism have access to evidenced-based care.
CONTACT:
Web: https://missionalphaadvocacy.com
Email: info@missionalphaadvocacy.com
Military OneSource is Department of Defense-funded (DOD) program that provides information, answers and support to the military family. Military OneSource special needs specialty consultants assist families to understand the benefits and resources available. This service is part of the Exceptional Family Member Program.
CONTACT:
Web: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/about-us/
Phone: 800-342-9647
Live Chat: https://livechat.militaryonesourceconnect.org/chat/
Special Education
What is Special Education?
Special education (known as special-needs education, aided education, exceptional education, exceptional student education, special ed., SEN, or SPED) is the practice of educating students in a way that provides accommodations to address their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings. Special education is separate from a 504 plan. A 504 plan provides accommodations and services which allow students with disabilities to gain access to public education, but who do not require specialized academic instruction. Students who require specialized academic instruction from an educator must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
What is an IEP and why your child might need one
IEPs are a legal document that travels with your child to ensure a seamless educational transition when moving to different schools Transitioning an IEP to a new school can be challenging. The following organizations provide resources to military families to assist when changing school districts and advocate to ensure military-connected students have the same access to an education as civilian students.
The following organizations will help you and your child ensure they receive the accommodations and supports they need regardless of what school they attend.
Partners in PROMISE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in February 2020 to elevate the concerns of military special education students and their families to ensure they have the same access to an education as civilian students.
CONTACT:
Web: https://thepromiseact.org
Email: info@partnersinpromise.org
Online Special Needs Assistance Request Form: https://thepromiseact.org/get-in-touch/
The Military Child Education Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, worldwide organization that supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. MCEC delivers programs, services, and professional development to meet the needs of military-connected students, parents, and professionals.
CONTACT:
Web: https://www.militarychild.org
Phone: 254-953-1925
Email: msc@militarychild.org
Other Useful Resources
Blue Star Families empowers families to thrive as they serve. Through our research and program partnerships, Blue Star Families ensures that American military families feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive - in every community, across the nation, and around the globe.
CONTACT:
Web Contact Portal: https://bluestarfam.org/get-in-touch/
NMFA is on a mission to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and response solutions.
CONTACT:
Web: https://www.militaryfamily.org
Phone: 703-931-6632
Email: info@MilitaryFamily.org
Thank you to Kristi Cabiao for her significant contributions to the content on this page.