Getting Started
The first step to initiating services with Spectrum Learning Solutions through Tricare's Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration is for your child to receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by an approved diagnosing provider. If your sponsor is on active duty, you must register in the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).
Your diagnosing provider will submit a referral to your regional contractor or US Family Health plan provider for authorization. You will get an authorization letter for ABA for 6 months. Your diagnosing provider will choose an ABA provider for you, or you may specifically request that Spectrum Learning Solutions be your provider.
Once a referral is received by Spectrum Learning Solutions, either by you or your referral source, the Clinical Director will arrange for a brief meeting with you to discuss your needs and our services. If both parties agree that the services available at Spectrum Learning Solutions are appropriate for your child, you will be asked to complete an Intake Packet.
Spectrum Learning Solutions will then request Authorization for Assessment from Tricare on behalf of your child. Once approval for this authorization is received, a comprehensive skill assessment will be scheduled for your child either in our clinic or in your home. The assessment will be conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) working under the supervision of a fully-licensed professional.
Assessment appointments are generally scheduled for 2 hours and consist of a brief parent interview (to supplement information obtained through the initial intake packet), formal testing of your child's skills, as well as direct, informal observation. Formal assessments are conducted using criterion-referenced assessment tools specifically designed for Children with ASDs including The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABBLS-R) as appropriate.
Once the assessment has been completed, the BCBA will incorporate the results into an Initial Treatment Plan to be reviewed with you within a 2-week period. Your child's goals and objectives will reflect his or her needs based on the criterion-based assessment, informal observation and information obtained from you. In the case of challenging behaviors, a Functional Behavior Assessment may be conducted along with subsequent development of a Behavior Intervention Plan.
The Treatment Plan will then be submitted to Tricare along with a request for Authorization for Treatment. Your child's recommended treatment hours will be based upon his or her individual needs, parent preferences, potential scheduling constraints and staff availability. As soon as Authorization for Treatment is approved by Tricare, services will begin. We are looking forward to working with you!