Resources for Members with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

According to the Center for Disease Control, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects an estimated 1 in 31 children in the United States. ASD is characterized by significant challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Since it is a spectrum disorder, the degree to which a person’s functioning is impacted varies greatly from one individual to the next. Some individuals show signs in the first year of life, but others may show signs later, as toddlers or in early childhood.

Some common signs and symptoms of ASD include:

• Having a hard time with schedule changes
• Avoiding eye contact
• Wanting to be alone
• Having difficulty with understanding feelings
• Performing repetitious movements
• Having difficulty with relating to others
• Preferring no physical affection
• Struggling to know how to socially interact with peers
• Having strong reactions to sounds and
• Preferring routine

How to be Evaluated for an ASD Diagnosis

1. Discuss concerns with your Primary Care Physician (Pediatrician). If needed, they may initiate a referral to a provider that specializes in ASD Diagnostics
2. Diagnosing provider completes a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
3. If diagnosed with ASD, discuss recommendations for evidence-based treatment and receive additional referrals as appropriate

Treatment Options

There are effective treatments to support individuals with ASD, allowing them to maintain functional, healthy lives. Each individual diagnosed with ASD has their own strengths and challenges and therefore treatment plans should be individualized to meet the unique needs. Research suggests early intervention can improve symptoms for those under the age of three. However, ASD can be difficult to diagnose prior to age two. Services are available to children under age three at risk for developmental delays without an ASD diagnosis under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Treatment and therapy options include, but are not limited to:

• Speech-language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Family Counseling
• Behavioral Health Services

For more information about services for those under the age of three, see the AzEIP web page.

For an evaluation of developmental delays for those over the age of three, contact your local school district and/or your pediatrician.

For more information about ASD and an overview of the prevalence of autism, see The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2024 Autism Infographic.

An individual with ASD may be eligible for additional support and services from the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). For more information about DDD eligibility applications and determinations, please see the Arizona Department of Economic Security website.

Additional Resources:

• Public Comment Form: AMPM Policy 320-S - Behavior Analysis Services
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Frequently Asked Questions
• Member Resource on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services
• ABA Policy 320-S Updates for Families/Caregivers slide deck 4/16/26
• ABA Public Forum Recording: Families/Caregivers 4/16/26
• ABA Policy 320-S Updates for Providers slide deck 4/15/26
• ABA Public Forum Recording: Providers 4/15/26
• ASD Specialized Diagnosing Providers
• ASD Treating Providers
• Specialized Dentist

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Advisory Committee Overview

In April 2015 a statewide ASD Advisory Committee was established by the Governor’s Office, representing a broad range of stakeholders to address and provide recommendations to strengthen services for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The committee worked from 2015-2020, with a focus on improving access to care for AHCCCS members with or at risk for ASD, reducing complexity of care, fostering evidence-based treatment strategies, and increasing network capacity. Information about the Committee regarding membership, workgroups, goals, meeting dates and minutes are saved in the AHCCCS Document Library linked at the bottom of this page. Since the conclusion of the ASD Advisory Committee in 2020, the agency and partners have maintained a focus on implementing the insights and recommendations that came from its work. This includes but is not limited to:

• Expanding network capacity to improve earlier identification, screening, and treatment for children with ASD.
• Streamlining systems of care and reducing complexity of care through integration of physical and behavioral health services.

For more information, please see the ASD Advisory Committee Resources below:

• ASD Advisory Committee Report
• ASD Advisory Committee Report Addendum 2020

Public Comments

AHCCCS welcomes all public comments related to services for the treatment of ASD in the AHCCCS program. Please send all comments to ASD@azahcccs.gov.