The Rapid Autism Assessment: Reducing Barriers to Behavioral Intervention Services

Abstract

Plain language summary

Obtaining an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis can be a pivotal step in receiving insurance coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. However, many children receive a delayed diagnosis. This article proposes that clinicians can improve the efficiency of autism diagnosis and treatment access in their own office by using “rapid” autism assessments, rather than relying on extensive and time-consuming psychological testing. The authors provide information on the specific autism diagnostic assessments accepted by various state Medicaid programs and call on policymakers to advocate for universal acceptance of rapid autism assessments to reduce barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

Clinical Guidance

• Prior to performing a comprehensive autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic evaluation, clinicians should review the autism testing requirements for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for each insurance company or Medicaid program accepted in their clinic.

• Clinicians with expertise in diagnosing ASD could consider incorporating rapid autism assessments accepted by the patient’s insurance company when performing autism diagnostic evaluations to reduce delays in diagnosis and thereby increase access to ABA services.

• If the clinician is uncertain about the diagnosis, clinicians should recommend further psychological testing (eg, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2) for diagnostic clarification.