Pilot Program Enhances Autism Care, Treatment

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Pilot Program Enhances Autism Care, Treatment 07/19/2013 05:18 PM CDT Pilot Program Enhances Autism Care, Treatment By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, July 19, 2013 - A congressionally mandated pilot program set to launch July 25 will enhance an existing Defense Department program that provides care and treatment for military children with autism, a senior DOD official said. Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs and director of the TRICARE Management Activity met with reporters yesterday to explain the new program. An estimated 8,500 children of active-duty military families have a form of autism, Woodson said. He sought to dispel military parents' concerns about rumors of a potential loss in benefits for their children with autism and autism spectrum disorder. "We understand that there's a lot of anxiety in the community of interest around autism about suspected changes that would adversely affect care," he said. "Providing care to children who have autism spectrum disorder and making sure they get the full range of care they need is a priority to us." "All care will be continued," Woodson added, noting that active-duty service members' children's autism care benefits in the applied behavior analysis administered through TRICARE would not change. "Anyone who's receiving care under the [Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration] -- there will be no change," he said. There's also no change in benefits to anyone enrolled in the basic medical program that began July 2012, Woodson said. An expansion of services through the autism pilot program, he added, will also allow retirees and their families to receive ASD benefits. Autism care and treatment is evolving, Woodson said. "In the future, we'll try to identify what the best practice is for the periodic assessments -- who should get it and over what period of time," he said, noting the pilot program is expected to yield "great insight" into evaluation protocols. The pilot program was developed by crafting requirements through consulting with experts in the field and advocacy groups to "try to find validated tests and the best strategy for focusing on what would be the right care at the right time for children [with autism]," Woodson said. Woodson said the pilot program's overall focus is directed at families, and what is best for their child. Parents' input will be sought to ensure their issues are represented as the program is shaped, he added. There is "an expanding need and recognition" of military families with children who have autism," Woodson said. Integral to increasing autism treatment capability, he said, is having a large network of providers that work with autistic children. "We continually try to improve ... [and] expand our network of providers," he said. "I think we have one of the most robust networks available." Woodson said it is "paramount" for children with autism to obtain professional reassessments to ensure they get the right care, at the right time, with updated care plans. "That's what we're all about," he said. "Focusing on the child and what's best and providing the families with access to these services."   Biographies: Dr. Jonathan Woodson Related Sites: TRICARE Management Activity   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense