Autism Spectrum Disorder

TRICARE covers many services for beneficiaries with autism spectrum disorder:

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Physician services
• Psychological services
• Psychological testing
• Prescription drugs
• Speech therapy

A referral or prescription is needed before obtaining certain services. Contact your primary care manager if using TRICARE Prime or your family provider if using TRICARE Select.

TRICARE also covers applied behavioral analysis through the TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration.

What is applied behavior analysis?

ABA applies behavioral principles, such as positive reinforcement, to everyday situations. The goal is to increase or decrease targeted behaviors. ABA can help beneficiaries with ASD develop different skills, such as speech, self-help, and play skills. It can also help to decrease behaviors such as aggression or self-injury.