Frequently Asked Questions

According to the CDC, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social skills, and behavior. The spectrum includes a wide variety of conditions such as PDD-NOS and Aspergers syndrome. The learning and problem solving abilities for a person with ASD can range from gifted to significantly impaired. Behavioral symptoms can rage from mild to severe.

Yes! Although we specialize in autism, we are not limited. Applied behavior analysis programs can benefit multiple diagnoses. Traditional therapies such as Speech, Occupational, Physical and Music can be provided for those with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome, other chromosomal disorders and more. We can also provide HCBS services such as Habilitation, Respite, and Attendant Care to anyone with DDD hours, regardless of diagnosis.

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, research shows Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective treatment for autism and is effective for other developmental disorders such as down syndrome and other intellectual disorders. Intense ABA services can improve language, cognitive, self-help and social skills as well as overall behavior. 

Speech therapy can help with receptive language (listening skills), expressive language (talking), articulation, stuttering, use of an augmentative communication device, and with feeding issues.

Occupational therapy can help with motor skills, social skills, self-care, learning strategies, swallowing difficulties, sensory issues and more!

Music therapy can help with voice and resonance, pitch, social skills, turn taking, emotional regulation,  confidence and speech improvement.

HCBS services, such as Habilitation, Attendant Care and/or Respite provide in-home or community help to work on goals, perform basic self-care skills or give the primary caregiver a break. 

Here at A Brighter Avenue, we try our best to help each family secure the funding sources needed so their child can receive all the therapies and services he or she needs at no out of pocket cost.  

A. Commercial Insurance - If you have a commercial insurance such as Blue Cross or Aetna, we will request a pre-authorization for all the services your child needs. Insurance-funded services can include Applied Behavior Analysis, and Speech, Occupational, Physical and Music therapies.

B. AHCCCS Insurance - If you have an AHCCCS plan such as Mercy Care or United Community, we can utilize this as a secondary to pick up the co-pays and co-insurance left over by your commercial plan.  This results in no out of pocket cost to you! If there is no commercial plan in place, we can utilize the AHCCCS plan as the primary and will get a pre-authorization for your services which may include Applied Behavior Analysis, and/or Speech, Occupational, Physical and Music therapies. When using the AHCCCS plan as the primary or secondary, there is no balance billed to the parent! (See below for application information.)

C. DDD - The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities offers therapy and service hours to cover the cost for those who qualify. DDD services might include Habilitation, Respite, Attendant Care, Day Treatment Adult, and Speech, Occupational, Physical and Music therapies. When utilizing DDD hours as the primary or as a secondary to a commercial insurance, DDD hours are considered payment in full and there is no out of pocket cost to you! (See below for application information.)

Please contact the Intake Department at (480) 588-6766 if you have questions about coverage options or would like help to navigate the application processes.

Start an application by calling 888-621-6880. Offices vary by location. Find your local branch here:

https://www.azahcccs.gov/members/ALTCSlocations.html

Information on applying for DDD services can be found here:

https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/determine-eligibility

For questions about eligibility, call 844-770-9500.

Here at A Brighter Avenue, we don't simply assign you a provider. We set up providers you can interview! You will meet with one or more potential providers and choose the best fit for your family. If you already have a provider, that person can apply and be "pre-matched" with your child. If you have someone in mind who is new to the field, we can make sure he or she gets all the training needed to become a provider and be matched with your child. Your HCBS Coordinator will be able to handle any questions you have or changes that need to be made down the road. We're here to help!