Military Families Voices Needed on TRICARE Autism Program

Does your military family include a child on the autism spectrum? Are they enrolled in TRICARE’s Autism Care Demonstration (ACD)? If so, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) wants to hear from you.

Why Your Experience Matters

The Autism Care Demonstration covers Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for enrollees. As part of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress directed NASEM to conduct an independent analysis of the effectiveness of the ACD. They are tasked with reviewing the research on autism and the effectiveness of ABA therapy and the ACD in terms of both cost and clinical outcomes.

As part of their research, NASEM is seeking public comment.

After completing their research, NASEM will provide Congress with a report of their recommendations. Those recommendations will influence how ABA therapy is covered for military families in the future.

Your Experience Can Influence Change

It’s vitally important that they hear from military families about their experiences with the ACD. Your input will help shape the recommendations that NASEM provides to Congress.

We encourage all military families who are or have been participants in the ACD to submit comments before NASEM’s next public meeting on January 11.

This is an opportunity to make your voice heard—don’t miss your chance.

Has a member of your family been enrolled in the Autism Care Demonstration? Share your story with us!