Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is proud to introduce our Autism Spectrum Treatment Program. This program is designed to help kids aged 6 to 16 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their parents or caregivers. We’ll explain what this program is all about, why it’s helpful, and how you can get started.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
First, let’s talk about ASD, which stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder. It’s a condition that can affect how someone interacts with others, communicates and behaves. Kids with ASD might have trouble making friends and handling their feelings. GHC-SCW wants to help these kids and their families and we’ve created this special program to support their growth and development.
Autism Spectrum Treatment Program Focus and Approach
The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Treatment Program is made just for kids with ASD and their parents or caregivers. Here are some key things to know about it:
- Home-Based Care: We know that being comfortable at home is important for kids with ASD. Our program happens in your home, where your child can feel relaxed and supported.
- Proven Methods: Our program uses techniques proven to help kids with ASD. We want to give our members the best care possible to meet their needs.
Program Details
- Who can join: Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, aged 6 to 16, and their parents or caregivers who live in Dane County.
- How long: You’ll have weekly appointments for up to 16 weeks.
- Where: It all happens in your home, which is convenient and familiar to your child.
Here’s how the sessions work:
- Kids’ Learning: At each session, kids will learn a new skill and practice it with the help of a trained professional.
- Parent Involvement: Parents will be part of the program too. You’ll learn how to support your child’s social and emotional growth. This includes coaching your child as they use their new skills.
Getting Started
To join the Autism Spectrum Treatment Program, there are several requirements that must be met:
- The child must have a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- The child must be able to speak and respond in full sentences.
- The home where appointments take place must be in Dane County.
- Family must have an active GHC HMO insurance plan (at this time, we are not able to accept other insurance plans for this program). If you have questions about coverage, please contact our Member Services team at (608) 828-4853 or toll-free at (800) 605-4327 and request Member Services.
If the child has all four qualifications, these are the next steps:
- Talk to Your Primary Care Provider: Contact your primary care provider to see if this program is right for your child. They’ll help you figure out what you need to do and make sure you meet the requirements.
- Get a Referral and Authorization: You’ll need a referral from your primary care provider and prior authorization from your insurance for any Autism Spectrum-related services. Your healthcare team will help you with these steps.
For non-GHC-SCW in-network providers, we have provided two helpful online referral forms they can fill out for qualifying patients for this program:
ASD Referral for Diagnosis Form
ASD Referral for Treatment Form
GHC-SCW wants to give our members the best care possible, including those with behavioral health conditions. We strive to support kids with ASD and their families as they work toward better social and emotional well-being. If you think this program will help your child, talk to your primary care provider to see if it’s a good fit.
April: Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a month that until recently was referred to as Autism Awareness Month. Today, many agree that we have moved beyond general awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder and strive instead focus on acceptance and inclusion. The shift from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance reframes the conversation to focus on intentional inclusion, helps shift societal views on autism toward positivity, and provides a platform to engage the broader community in discussions and challenge misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Autism. While the characteristics of Autism are not always visible, it often impacts people’s lives in ways we often don’t fully understand or appreciate. With this in mind, here are some resources to learn more about Autism in an effort to make inroads into including, supporting, and celebrating Autistic people.
- Welcome to the Autistic Community at https://autismacceptance.com/
- The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) at www.autisticadvocacy.org
- Neurodiversity Network at https://www.neurodiversitynetwork.net/
- The Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin at https://autismsouthcentral.org/
