Young children in Michigan with autism spectrum disorders are now able to receive treatment coverage through Medicaid.
The Michigan Department of Community Health announced Monday that children ages 18 months to 5 years can begin receiving coverage for applied behavior analysis services through Medicaid and MIChild programs.
Applied behavior analysis teaches skills by breaking them down into smaller skills so they are easier to learn. The Health Department says the treatment can improve behavior, communication and social skills especially during early childhood.
Since October, Michigan insurance companies have been required to provide coverage for autism services for children through the age of 18.
The department says within the first year the state expects to provide about 1,600 children with autism with applied behavior analysis services.