It can be tricky trying to figure out autism benefits by state. Below is a comprehensive listing, organized by US states, to help parents along this journey and answer some questions.
A list of autism benefits by state
Alabama
- Intensive Care Coordination – supports such as assessments, case planning and arrangement, social support, and monitoring based on the specific case
- Therapeutic Mentoring – these are supports like age specific behavioral coaching and training, social skills in relation to peers and adults, and problem solving
- Behavioral Support – creating and monitoring a specific behavioral plan that is meant to decrease, eliminate, and/or improve specific behaviors.
- In-Home Therapy – treatments at home that center around behavioral and mental health services and needs that provide support that is intended to improve the individual’s interactions and function and home and within the community.
- Psychoeducational Services – the training is created to help the individual and family understand the autism diagnosis, provide strategies that help create and maintain relationships within the community.
- Peer Support – peer specialists help form this support system to promote socialization, self-advocacy, creation of life skills within the community that promote necessary skills like problem solving, decision making, and more.
Alaska
- Behavior Identification Assessment – this service includes assessments such as referrals, direct or consultative services, direct observation, intellectual, developmental, achievement assessments, and testing and results from other psychometric tests.
- Behavior Identification Reassessment – this is the plan, implementation, and assessment of the treatment plan and how it is working for the individual and any changes that need to be made from those assessments.
- Adaptive Behavior Treatment of Autism – these include services related to the behavioral analyst office support, outpatient clinic, and other community related services
Arizona
- Arizona Early Intervention Program – this is designed for young children, up to 36 months old, for early diagnosis and includes a provider who teams up with the family to create an Individualized Family Service Plan to implement and follow during services.
- DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) – this service is for individuals three years old and over and connects families to a case manager that connects services and resources for the individual and their family.
- Arizona Long Term Care System – this was created for people over 65 years old with developmental disabilities to connect them with services and community support.
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility.
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Vision Therapy – this is a type of physical therapy that centers on the eyes and the brain
- Music Therapy – This therapy helps with relaxation techniques, and can help improve with physical, mental, social, and emotional skills
- Equestrian Therapy – riding and taking care of horses helps provide an environment to expand social skills, empathy, and motor skills
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Social Skills Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
Arkansas
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Child Health Services Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic Treatment Program (EPSDT) – these are the services covered for children up to 21 years of age
- The services and programs available for those 21 years of age and older are – Adult Developmental Day Treatment (ADDT), Hospital/Critical Access Hospital (CAH), Rehabilitative Hospital, Home Health, and Hospice and Physician
California
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Modeling – therapy and training through modeling appropriate behaviors and actions
- Natural Teaching Strategies
- Parent/Guardian Training – training provided for those who care for the autistic individual giving them skills, tools, and support
- Social Skills Training/ Peer Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
- Pivotal Response Training
- Life Skills – these trainings would include self-management and daily life skills
- Story-Based Interventions
Colorado
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care
- Therapeutic Care
Connecticut
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
Delaware
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Individual Care – this is determined by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services and would depend their review of best practices and/or evidence-based research
Florida
The benefits for autism spectrum disorder include the coverage of well-child and well-baby screenings for autism and the interventions and treatments prescribed in the doctor created treatment plan. The person needs to be diagnosed by eight years of age. Those benefits can then cover the individual until they are 18 years of age or younger. There were no specific treatments listed and these would be determined by the doctor
Georgia
- Initial and Follow-Up Assessments
- Adaptive Behavioral Health Treatment
- Social Skills Training/ Peer Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
Hawaii
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Other Evidence-Based Practices
Illinois
- Diagnosis and Intervention
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
Indiana
- Behavior Training and Management
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
Iowa
- Diagnosis and Intervention
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
Kansas
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
Kentucky
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Therapeutic Care
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
Louisiana
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
Maine
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Professional Services and Counseling Services
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
Maryland
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Mental Health Services
- Home Health and Respite
- Adaptations to the Environment for Accessibility
- Therapeutic Integration
- Laboratory Services
- Personal Disposable Medical Supplies and Durable Medical Equipment
- Individual Support Services
- Payments of Medicare Premiums, Co-Pays, and Deductibles
- Family Consultation
Massachusetts
- Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Therapeutic Care
Michigan
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Parent/Guardian Training – training provided for those who care for the autistic individual giving them skills, tools, and support
- Social Skills Training/ Peer Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
- Life Skills – these trainings would include self-management and daily life skills
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
Minnesota
- Parent/Guardian Training – training provided for those who care for the autistic individual giving them skills, tools, and support
- Social Skills Training/ Peer Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
- Life Skills – these trainings would include self-management and daily life skills
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Regulation Strategies
Mississippi
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
Missouri
- Diagnosis and Intervention
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Crisis Intervention
- Music Therapy – This therapy helps with relaxation techniques, and can help improve with physical, mental, social, and emotional skills
- Social Skills Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
- Parent/Guardian Training – training provided for those who care for the autistic individual giving them skills, tools, and support
- Social Skills Training/ Peer Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
- Life Skills – these trainings would include self-management and daily life skills
- Respite
- Advocacy Training
- Other Emerging and Evidence-Based Practices
Montana
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Therapeutic Care
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Other Specified Care
Nebraska
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Behavior Modification Services
- Day Treatment
- Community Treatment Aides
Nevada
- Diagnosis and Intervention
- Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
New Hampshire
- Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Therapeutic Care
New Jersey
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Alternative Communication Assessment
- Devices
- Sensory Integration
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
New Mexico
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Counseling
- Behavioral Health Treatment
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Social Skills Training – these are classes where the goal is to positive relationships and interactions with other people
- Camp for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
New York
- Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Therapeutic Care
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
North Carolina
- Diagnosis and Intervention
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Therapeutic Care
Ohio
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Mental/Behavioral Health Outpatient Services (by a licensed psychologist)
Oklahoma
- Diagnosis and Intervention
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – this therapy is short term and helps individuals focus on how thoughts can shape outcomes and their behaviors
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
Oregon
- Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
Pennsylvania
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Rehabilitative Care – such as Occupational therapy services, Physical therapy, etc.
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
Rhode Island
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
South Carolina
- Case Management
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention
- Behavior Therapy
South Dakota
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
Texas
- Diagnosis and Intervention
- Behavior Training and Behavior Management
- Physical Therapy – exercises and movement plan individualized for the person and their physical needs including improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing mobility
- Occupational Therapy – this is similar to physical therapy, the difference is that it teaches people how to move to help themselves with a focus on improvement with movement
- Speech Therapy – the focus is improving and restoring verbal skills
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Nutritional Supplements – these are used to help alleviate symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders
Utah
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Therapeutic Care
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
- Behavioral Health Treatment
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
Virginia
- Behavioral Health Treatment
- Medication – different medications help with anxiety, depression, attention span, among others
- Psychiatric and Psychological Care – provided by a licensed healthcare professional
- Therapeutic Care
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
Washington
- Medically Necessary Mental Health Benefits
- Medically Necessary Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
West Virginia
- Medically Necessary Treatment of Autism (ordered or prescribed by a licensed physician or licensed psychologist)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
Wisconsin
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – this therapy is based on the theory that behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated and can range from self care tasks, like brushing teeth, to more challenging tasks like group socializing
Autism services provided across the country were not created equal
No two states provide the same services and support for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are differences in what coverage benefits are included in the health plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Different states are more supportive and provide more resources for autistic people and their families than others. Those more supportive states are able to provide medical coverage, like Medicaid, that covers different needs that are deemed medically necessary.
At the end of the day, it is always a good idea to talk to the physician of the person you suspect has autism to ask for support. The physician can start assessing the individual and also point you in a direction or person that can answer your questions, no matter what state you are located in.
References
https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info
https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/waiverprograms/Documents/Autism%20Waiver%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
https://insurance.ky.gov/ppc/Documents/autism071317.pdf
http://manuals.medicaidalaska.com/docs/dnld/autism.pdf
https://www.michigan.gov/autism/0,4848,7-294-63682—,00.html
https://mh.alabama.gov/autism-services/
https://www.nmhealth.org/about/ddsd/pgsv/autism/fsp/
https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/9csr/9c45-3.pdf
