Give Military Families the Benefits They Earned and Cover Autism Therapy

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The Department of Defense (DoD) has refused to acknowledge the validity of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in treating the symptoms of autism1.

With over 23,000 military dependents living on the spectrum, this means restricted access to the most valuable treatment currently available2.

Already burdened by the constant moving and social turmoil of military life, families must also pay out of pocket for this costly yet vital therapy.

Rather than embrace change, the military's primary health care program, TRICARE, has imposed a series of even more restrictive guidelines3, all while DoD lawyers continue to argue against covering ABA, citing "a lack of effectiveness4."

Medical professionals and organizations agree that ABA is the most effective treatment available, helping those with autism lead happy and productive lives5.

Children tend to respond best to the therapy at a younger age, so as the DoD stalls and delays, families are losing precious time to help their loved ones6.

With the world's largest, best-equipped, and best-financed military, such practices are unacceptable. An effective military starts with the people. Let's give military families the benefits they have earned.

**Sign the petition below and ask the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to support military families by supporting ABA treatment for children with autism!**