Re-Evaluation of 2017 TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Program
- Target:
- TriCare, DHA and Congress
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- www.hnfs.com
Due to the growing concern of the families of children with Autism, regarding the new changes under TRICARE's Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Program, we are collectively bringing these matters to your attention. This document concerns the 2017 changes stated as follows:
1. ADOS-2
2. Vineland-3
3. Wechsler Intelligence Scale
4. PDDBI
5. Re-testing every two years to verify diagnosis
According the the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Because almost all children with DSM-IV confirmed Autistic Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome also meet diagnostic criteria under DSM-V, re-diagnosis is not necessary. Referral for re-assesment should be based on clinical concern" (AAP Gateway, 2013). The same can be considered for an individual already diagnosed under the DSM-V criteria.
We, the undersigned, the families affected by the 2017 TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Program updates, are requesting a re-evaluation by Congress, DHA and TRICARE of the new requirements of testing for families who have previously received a diagnosis.
We address the following concerns:
1. Testing is time consuming and expensive.
2. Tests are not readily available due to lack of qualified specialists to administer these specific tests.
3. Previously performed tests approved by TRICARE are considered invalid by the changes implemented in 2017, despite previous tests conforming to the DSM IV/V.
4. Families may be required to be referred out of area, this is costly to both the families and TRICARE.
5. Testing is time consuming and may require more than one day thus affecting:
-Servicemen/Women and families, losing critical manning hours.
-Student's valuable educational hours
6. Undue amount of stress is placed upon families and the child who must re-accomplish testing that has been previously obtained to conform to the DSM IV/V.
Finally, we restate our desire of re-evaluation of the 2017 TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Program. Our children's success is more important than these repetitive evaluations, continually proving our children need supportive services.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Re-Evaluation of 2017 TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Program petition to TriCare, DHA and Congress was written by Danielle Williams and is in the category Military at GoPetition.