Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect a person’s social, emotional and speech skills. It can cause mild to serious symptoms. ASD is often diagnosed when children are young and lasts their entire lives.
There are therapies for ASD, but no cure. Ideally, patients start treatment early. Providers tailor treatments to patients' symptoms and needs.
Many families also get help through their local schools, the state and community organizations. This page highlights some resources that can help people with ASD reach their potential.
Tufts Health Plan benefits
Many Tufts Health Plan plans offer services to members who have ASD. Depending on members' needs, Tufts Health Plan plans may cover:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- In-home therapy
- In-home behavioral therapy
- Medications
- Therapines, such as occupational, physical and speech therapy
It's important to see in-network providers for ASD-related care. If you're not sure which providers are in-network, call your plan's member services department.
To learn more, see FAQs.
Health information
A diagnosis of ASD can be overwhelming. Learning all you can about the condition can help you get the right care and resources for your child. Here are some sites that provide information you can trust:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health
- Autism Spectrum Disorder - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Autism Spectrum Disorder - MedlinePlus
- What is Autism? - Autism Speaks
- Applied behavior analysis - Autism Speaks
- What drugs are used for treating Autism - Applied Behvaioral Analysis EDU
- Medicines for treating Autism's core symptoms - Autism Speaks
- Directory of Dentists who specialize in providing dental services to people with Autism - Autism Alliance
State resources - Massachusetts
The state offers a variety of resources to people with autism and their families. Here is information on some of those resources:
- Autism resources for families - mass.gov
- Early intervention (EI) Autism Spectrum Disorder specialty services - mass.gov
- DDS Autism support centers - mass.gov
- Resources for families-Autism - mass.gov
- Adult Services - mass.gov
- Transition from school to adult life - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
State resources - Rhode Island
The state offers a variety of resources to people with autism and their families. Here is information on some of those resources:
- Children with special needs - eohhs.ri.gov
- Early intervention program - eohhs.ri.gov
- Resource guide for families of children with Autism - health.ri.gov
Other resources
Here are some other helpful resources for families coping with autism:
- 100 day kit for young children - Autism Speaks
- Am I covered? - Autism Insurance Resource Center
- Resource guide - Autism Speaks
- Autism resource center - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- The Autism society’s nnline resource database - Autism Society
- In the community - Autism Now
- Resource directory - Autism Alliance
- Advocacy - Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts
Autism guides
Use these resources below to learn more about Autism. Just click to download one of the helpful guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABA therapy coverage varies by plan and your child’s age. You may need prior authorization (permission). Check your member handbook or call the member services number on your ID card to see if your plan covers ABA.
Some of our plans offer in-home therapy (IHT) and in-home behavioral therapy. IHT helps address members’ mental health issues while strengthening family structure and support. Behavioral therapy interventions help diminish, stop or improve specific behaviors that members with ASD may experience.
Call your plan’s member services number to learn more.
Yes. Coverage depends on a child’s age and prior treatment. Ask your child’s provider which medicine is best. Call your plan’s member services for more information about medication coverage.
ASD can make a visit to the dentist challenging. It’s a good idea to call dental offices to ask if they have experience treating kids with ASD. Also, make sure the dentist accepts your health plan (if it includes dental coverage) or your dental plan if you have one.
If you live in Rhode Island, you can visit uhc.com/Ritesmiles, or call Rite Smiles at 866-375-3257 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to learn more about your dental coverage.
Your child’s provider will have tools to screen for ASD. If you still have concerns after your child’s provider evaluates your child, ask where your child can get a more thorough evaluation.
Additional Tufts Health Plan Resources