Step 3: My child has been diagnosed with ASD—what happens next?

Take advantage of these special ASD resources that are a part of your Cisco benefits through UnitedHealthcare.

• ABA therapy
• Behavioral health benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources
• Medical benefits

You also have access to these resources through your Cisco benefits.

• Expert Medical Opinion Program through Advance Medical
• Rethink resources – an online platform and coaching resource for Cisco employees who are caring for children with developmental disabilities 

Depending on your child’s needs and position on the spectrum, different types of care may be needed. Keep reading to learn more about the types of support that are available, and ask your doctor what’s recommended.   

These types of treatments are often referred to as Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT). They fall under your Cisco behavioral health benefits as non-medical forms of care, though some may include the use of medications.

There are several types of behavioral treatments, including:

• Psychiatric management. A psychiatrist may help treat associated ASD conditions, such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disrupted sleep and others. Medications may be prescribed, and the psychiatrist may also be able to help with medication management.   
• Family and individual therapy. A psychologist can use psychotherapy and other methods to help address certain behaviors and mental health issues. A clinician may also work with parents to provide techniques on managing behaviors.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA encourages positive behaviors to improve a variety of skills, tracking and measuring a child’s progress. Types of ABA treatment include, but are not limited to:
  • Discrete Trial Training (DTT). A style of teaching that uses a series of trials to teach each step of a desired behavior or response.
  • Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI). A type of ABA for children younger than 5, and often younger than 3.
  • Pivotal Response Training (PRT). Aims to increase a child’s motivation to learn, monitor his/her own behavior and initiate communication with others.
  • Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI). A type of ABA that focuses on teaching verbal skills.

View a complete list of non-medical forms of treatment and their descriptions on the Autism Society website.

Call UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-875-8307 to determine if specific treatments are covered by your plan.       

These treatments fall under your Cisco medical plan benefits. As with behavioral treatments, multiple forms of care may be available, or your doctor may recommend a combination of behavioral and medical treatments.  

• Pediatric neurology. Treatments that focus on the function of the nervous system.
• Physical therapy. Treatment to improve physical movement and mobility.
• Occupational therapy. Teaches skills such as dressing, eating, bathing and relating to people to help the person live as independently as possible.
• Speech therapy. Improves the child’s communication skills. Some children are able to learn verbal skills. For others, using gestures or picture boards is more realistic.
• Medication. Medications can be prescribed to treat specific symptoms of ASD, such as irritability, compulsive behaviors and anxiety.  

Interested in a second opinion from a doctor?

Expert Medical Opinion, provided by Advance Medical, connects you to leading experts to review your case and give recommendations about diagnosis or treatment. Advance Medical creates an easy-to-read summary you can share with your treating physician so that, together, you can make informed decisions about your child’s care.

To contact Advance Medical, call 1-866-296-3484 or email cisco_emo@advance-medical.com.

ABA is widely respected by health professionals. Because we want to support you and your child’s health as much as we can, an ABA program is part of your Cisco benefits.

ABA approval process

Applied Behavior Analysis is available for those covered individuals who are diagnosed with a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Confirmation of this diagnosis will be requested prior to the start of the treatment. This can come from a medical doctor, psychologist or other qualified clinician who can use the diagnosis.

How does ABA work?

The goal of ABA is to promote optimal functioning in all natural environments. An ABA Supervisor or
Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) involves all of your child’s caregivers and family members in the treatment.

This may involve:

• Working with frontline ABA staff
• Coordination of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) 
• Coordination of care
• Working with school/educational staff
• Coordination with specialty providers (e.g., doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech therapists)

Access to experts

With the ABA program, you get access to more than 4,500 ABA providers nationwide. Each provider features a credentialed team with extensive ASD experience. Staff work to ensure all ABA treatment is appropriate and follows evidence-based practices.

Autism Care Advocates

You also get access to a team of Optum® clinicians ready to assist you and your child’s providers with any ABA questions, including benefits. These clinicians are licensed or certified with a background in ASD and behavior therapies. Just call the number on the back of your health plan ID card and ask to speak to an Autism Advocate.

Coverage for ABA

Below is a snapshot of your coverage for ABA, based on your health plan. If you have questions on your coverage, call the number on the back of your health plan ID card and ask to speak to an Autism Advocate.