Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/ss/ss7402a1.htm?s_cid=ss7402a1_w" target="_blank">1 in 31 children</a> and <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd" target="_blank">1 in 45 adults</a> nationally.

While most people are diagnosed in childhood, more and more adults are getting a diagnosis later in life as autism becomes better understood.

An early diagnosis helps manage challenges from the start while making the most of a child&rsquo;s strengths. AZ Blue is here to help parents and caregivers better understand and navigate ASD. Because when families have support, kids can thrive.


<h5>What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?</h5>


ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, and interacts with the world. Because it&rsquo;s a &ldquo;spectrum,&rdquo; autism looks different in every person. Some people might need very little support, while others need 24/7 care, may have limited or no spoken language, co-occurring intellectual disabilities, and complex behavioral needs.

By recognizing the full spectrum of autism, we make sure that everyone in the autism community is heard.

Screening and diagnosis

Diagnosing autism can be hard since there is no test for it. Instead, doctors look at the child&rsquo;s behavior and development.
Screening tools you can take online, like the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child" target="_blank">Modified Check for Autism in a Toddler</a> (M-CHAT), help spot early signs, but they don&rsquo;t confirm a diagnosis. Full evaluations should be done by trained professionals who get input from different people&mdash;like parents, teachers, and pediatricians&mdash;to really understand how the child is doing in different settings. When scheduling an evaluation, it&rsquo;s important to ask the provider how they approach testing and whether they coordinate with other people involved in your child&rsquo;s care.

Is your child showing <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html" target="_blank">signs of autism</a>? Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Helping your loved one

Early diagnosis and treatment, like different therapies, can make a big difference.

<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis" target="_blank">Applied Behavior Analysis</a> (ABA) is a type of therapy that helps autistic children learn everyday skills and reduce behaviors that get in the way of learning or socializing.
This therapy has been around for decades, and it&rsquo;s important to note that it has evolved as we learn more about autism. Modern ABA therapy is rooted in research and designed to support each child&rsquo;s unique needs and strengths rather than expecting them to fit a certain mold. It uses positive reinforcement &ndash; like celebrating successes when a child learns a new skill or shows helpful behavior.

The U.S. Surgeon General and the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.apa.org/about/policy/applied-behavior-analysis" target="_blank">American Psychological Association</a> recognize ABA as an evidence-based best practice treatment for autism.

Other therapies include:
<ul>
 <li>
 Speech Therapy: Helps with verbal and nonverbal communication.</li>
 <li>
 Occupational Therapy: Helps with things like hand-eye coordination and small muscle movements.
 </li>
 <li>Physical Therapy: Helps with big movements like walking and climbing.</li>
 <li>
 Counseling &amp; Social Skills Training: Provides emotional and social support.</li>
</ul>

Are you an AZ Blue member? Log in to your <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://identity.azblue.com/member-login" target="_blank">member portal</a> to find specialists. Click &lsquo;Find a Doctor&rsquo; on the dashboard and search &lsquo;Doctors by Specialty.&rsquo; You can type in, for example, &lsquo;speech therapy&rsquo; to find the right care.

<a href="https://www.azblue.com/health-choice-az/health-wellness/childrens-behavioral-health" target="_self">AZ Blue Health Choice</a> members can check out a list of providers who can <a href="https://assets.azblue.com/m/5f070f5e2dcb3d9a/original/BCBSAZ-Health-Choice-ASD-Diagnostician-_-March-2024_05-07-24-xlsx.pdf" target="_self">diagnose ASD</a> and <a href="https://assets.azblue.com/m/7ebe14664b430165/original/BCBSAZ-Health-Choice-ASD-Treating-_-March-2024-xlsx.pdf" target="_self">treat ASD</a>.

<h5>Transition Planning</h5>

Growing up and gaining independence can be overwhelming for autistic people and their families. A lot is happening &ndash; from healthcare changes to preparing for life outside the home. Whether your child wants to go to college, start working, or live more independently, a transition plan will help prepare them.

Here&rsquo;s a checklist of what you should consider:
<ul>
 <li>
 Transition planning should start through your child&rsquo;s school, as early as age 12 &ndash; 14. This may include an assessment, like the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/community-based-skills-assessment" target="_blank">Community-based Skills Assessment</a>, to understand their skills and interests better.</li>
 <li>
 By age 16, your child&rsquo;s <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation/iep/" target="_blank">Individualized Education Program</a> (IEP) should include a transition plan to help them develop the skills they need for adulthood. This may include job training, vocational support, college readiness programs, and independent living skills instruction &ndash; like <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gottransition.org/" target="_blank">transitioning to adult healthcare</a>.</li>
 <li>
 Most legal and healthcare plans should be in place by age 18. This includes guardianship and long-term support services &ndash; like Medicaid and Arizona&rsquo;s <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/current-member-resources/eligibility-redetermination" target="_blank">Department of Developmental Disabilities</a> (DDD) benefits. Some services may require a current ASD diagnosis, so it&rsquo;s important to start this process early.
 </li>
 <li>Your child may be eligible to stay on your health insurance plan after age 26. Reach out to your health plan to learn your options.</li>
</ul>


<h5>Helping people thrive</h5>

Autistic people don&rsquo;t have as many options as others when it comes to housing, healthcare, and jobs. AZ Blue has an ongoing partnership with <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://firstplaceaz.org/" target="_blank">First Place AZ</a> to help change that.

"Strong partnerships are key to addressing the complex healthcare needs of transition-age youth with autism and developmental disabilities.&rdquo; Josh Munoz, Associate Director of Public Policy, First Place Global Leadership Institute, said.

First Place provides supportive communities for adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities. This helps them live more independently, build social skills, make friends, find jobs, and more.

Sign up today
First Place is providing a free course on empowering health and independence in June for adults with autism and parents/caregivers.

&ldquo;This is a fantastic opportunity for neurodiverse members of the community to engage with First Place and gain insights into improving the quality of life for their loved ones&mdash;entirely free of cost,&rdquo; Munoz added. &ldquo;Whether you&rsquo;re looking to improve healthcare outcomes or help your loved one gain more autonomy, these courses offer invaluable resources for families navigating the journey to increased independence and self-sufficiency.&rdquo;

Spots are limited, so fill out the form at the bottom of this page as soon as possible if you are interested: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://firstplaceglobal.org/healthcare/360-health-wellness/" target="_blank">360 Health &amp; Wellness&reg;</a>.

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