Discrete Trial Training vs. ABA

There tends to be a lot of confusion between terms Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Often times when people talk about ABA programs for children with autism, they are actually referring to DTT. DTT is one of several types of teaching strategies that fall under the umbrella of ABA. So let’s tease the two apart.

ABA applies the science of “behaviorism,” to bring about meaningful change in an individual’s actions. It looks at behavior as a three step process:  the antecedent (a cue or instruction), the behavior and the consequence.

For example, when you’re hungry (antecedent), you eat something (behavior) and then you feel better (consequence). You enjoyed a positive consequence for your behavior, and this increases the likelihood that you’ll again eat when hungry in the future!

ABA applies this principle as an intervention to produce positive changes in behavior. Beyond the field of autism, it’s widely used to help individuals develop positive behaviors – such as good study habits. It’s also used to help those struggling with problem behaviors such as drug addiction.

Read more of Dr. Lauren Elder's Autism Speaks' Blog article HERE.

New Law Reconfirms Health Insurance Must Cover Autism Treatment

Consumer Alert from the California Department of Insurance

The California Department of Insurance reminds consumers a new law took effect July 1, 2012 mandating health insurers to cover behavioral health treatment for autism. This new law reconfirms provisions of California’s Mental Health Parity Act.

Know Your Rights To Autism Treatment:

• Every health insurance contract that provides hospital, medical, or surgical benefits must also provide coverage for behavioral health treatment (BHT) for pervasive developmental disorder or autism. BHT includes Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and other evidence-based therapies to treat autism.

• Every health insurer must maintain an adequate network that includes qualified autism service providers.

• The treatment plan must be prescribed by a licensed physician, surgeon or developed by a licensed psychologist. Start by working with your child’s Primary Care Provider to learn about appropriate services.

• The treatment plan must have measurable goals over a specific timeline, reviewed every six months, and must not be used for the DAVE JONES, INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

reimbursement of respite, day care, or educational services.

• Health care insurers may require prior authorization, copayments, or other cost-sharing for BHT.

• Visit limits may not be imposed for medically necessary speech or occupational therapy for autism.

• Even if the policy excludes or limits these types of treatment, the law entitles insureds with autism to coverage for all medically necessary behavioral, speech and occupational therapy.

Additional Information: View the entirety of the new law, Senate Bill 946 (Steinberg) at: http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0901-0950/sb_946_bill_20111009_chaptered.html

For more autism-related information, including what to do if you are denied coverage, visit the California Department of Insurance: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0100-consumers/0070-health-issues/0025-autism/ 

Flyer HERE.