Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced an expansion in services for Medicaid-eligible youth with autism and other disabilities. According to DPHHS Director Adam Meier, these individuals now have access to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services.

Meier described ABA as a therapy that enhances social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. "Experts consider ABA to be the gold-standard treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but it can be used in the treatment of other developmental conditions as well," Meier stated.

Licensed professionals such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCABAs), and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) provide this therapy. Approximately 60 BCBAs operate in Montana, potentially benefiting hundreds of youths up to age 21.

Candice Maurer, a BCBA at Arrows Behavior Academy in Livingston, expressed enthusiasm about the development. "This is exciting news for Montana," she said. Maurer noted that ABA therapy aids children by decreasing maladaptive behavior and fostering new skills.

Maurer shared her experience using ABA to help a child overcome aggressive behavior while developing new skills through 'Delay, Denial, Tolerance Training.' She emphasized the strategy's effectiveness without punishment strategies. "This is a wonderful therapy to use for just about any child who is struggling with problem behavior and especially for children who have been through trauma," Maurer added.

Maurer also highlighted her excitement about expanding ABA services to include children diagnosed with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED). "I believe that ABA is an under-utilized intervention for children who fall into this demographic," she said.

Lindsey Carter, DDP Bureau Chief, explained that before implementing these changes, DPHHS gathered input from stakeholders emphasizing increased service access. The department identified potential barriers such as location restrictions and family presence requirements during treatment sessions.

"We conducted an extensive review of the available literature and then surveyed and worked with a stakeholder group of BCBAs to make key changes to the program," Carter explained. The recommendations included more flexibility in clinical decision-making for BCBAs.

Carter noted that historically these services were limited to youth with autism but now include additional populations. "This expansion provides an opportunity for individuals who are on our waiting list for DD waiver services access to ABA treatment," Carter said. It also offers another treatment option for those with SED diagnoses previously unavailable.

With increased service access and improved flexibility, DPHHS aims to attract more licensed BCBAs within the state.