Take advantage of these special ASD resources that are a part of your Cisco benefits through UnitedHealthcare.
- ABA therapy
- Behavioral health benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources
- Medical benefits
You also have access to these resources through your Cisco benefits.
- Expert Medical Opinion Program through Teladoc. To contact call 855-380-7828 or email memberservices@teladochealth.com.
- Rethink resources – an online platform and coaching resource for Cisco employees who are caring for children with developmental disabilities
Depending on your child’s needs and position on the spectrum, different types of care may be needed. Keep reading to learn more about the types of support that are available, and ask your doctor what’s recommended.
We’re here for you.
Call UnitedHealthcare Customer Care at 1-800-875-8307 for any medical plan questions, or to reach the Special Needs Navigator and EAP Program.
These types of treatments are often referred to as Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT). They fall under your Cisco behavioral health benefits as non-medical forms of care, though some may include the use of medications.
There are several types of behavioral treatments, including:
- Psychiatric management. A psychiatrist may help treat associated ASD conditions, such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disrupted sleep and others. Medications may be prescribed, and the psychiatrist may also be able to help with medication management.
- Family and individual therapy. A psychologist can use psychotherapy and other methods to help address certain behaviors and mental health issues. A clinician may also work with parents to provide techniques on managing behaviors.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Types of ABA treatment include, but are not limited to:
- ABA is a proven treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It focuses on using positive reinforcement to improve behavioral, social and communication skills. Behavioral principles are used to set individualized, measurable goals that target both improving individuals’ skill sets as well as educating the caregivers.
View a complete list of non-medical forms of treatment and their descriptions on the Autism Society website.
Call UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-875-8307 to determine if specific treatments are covered by your plan.
These treatments fall under your Cisco medical plan benefits. As with behavioral treatments, multiple forms of care may be available, or your doctor may recommend a combination of behavioral and medical treatments.
- Pediatric neurology. Treatments that focus on the function of the nervous system.
- Physical therapy. Treatment to improve physical movement and mobility.
- Occupational therapy. Teaches skills such as dressing, eating, bathing and relating to people to help the person live as independently as possible.
- Speech therapy. Improves the child’s communication skills. Some children are able to learn verbal skills. For others, using gestures or picture boards is more realistic.
- Medication. Medications can be prescribed to treat specific symptoms of ASD, such as irritability, compulsive behaviors and anxiety.
Interested in a second opinion from a doctor?
Expert Medical Opinion, provided by Advance Medical, connects you to leading experts to review your case and give recommendations about diagnosis or treatment. Advance Medical creates an easy-to-read summary you can share with your treating physician so that, together, you can make informed decisions about your child’s care.
To contact Advance Medical, call 1-866-296-3484 or email cisco_emo@advance-medical.com.
ABA is an evidence based practice for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and widely respected by health professionals. Because we want to support you and your child’s health as much as we can, an ABA program is part of your Cisco benefits.
ABA approval process
Applied Behavior Analysis is available for those covered individuals who are diagnosed with a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Confirmation of this diagnosis will be requested prior to the start of the treatment. This can come from a medical doctor, psychologist or other qualified clinician who can use the diagnosis.
How does ABA work?
The goal of ABA is to promote optimal functioning in all natural environments. ABA programs are supervised by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other Qualified Health Professional. ABA focuses on treating the core deficits of ASD and is individually designed to meet each child's specific needs. Caregiver involvement is an important aspect of ABA and can incorporate all of your child's caregivers.
This may involve:
- Working with frontline ABA staff
- Coordination of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Coordination of care
- Working with school/educational staff
- Coordination with specialty providers (e.g., doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech therapists)
Access to experts
With the ABA program, you get access to more than 4,500 ABA providers nationwide. Each provider features a credentialed team with extensive ASD experience. Staff work to ensure all ABA treatment is appropriate and follows evidence-based practices.
Autism Care Advocates
You also get access to a team of Optum® clinicians ready to assist you and your child’s providers with any ABA questions, including benefits. These clinicians are licensed or certified with a background in ASD and behavior therapies. Just call the number on the back of your health plan ID card and ask to speak to an Autism Advocate.
Coverage for ABA
Below is a snapshot of your coverage for ABA, based on your health plan. If you have questions on your coverage, call the number on the back of your health plan ID card and ask to speak to an Autism Advocate.
| PPO Plan | Health Plus Savings Plan |
|---|---|
| Network provider: 80% after $500 deductible | Network provider: 90% after $3,000 family deductible |
| Out-of-network provider: 60% after $1,000 deductible | Out-of-network provider: 70% after $4,500 family deductible |
Learn more.
For details on the ABA program and to find a network provider near you, visit liveandworkwell.com (access code: Cisco). Select Mind and Body from the drop-down menu, then click on Mental Health > Autism > Find a provider. Follow the instructions for finding ABA providers.
Receiving a diagnosis and caring for someone with ASD can bring emotional challenges. It’s important to talk with your care team about how you are feeling. The more help you can get navigating these emotions, the better equipped you’ll be to help your child live a happy and fulfilling life.
As a parent, you may find yourself in many roles, such as care coordinator, therapist, parent, teacher and advocate. It’s important to take care of yourself.
Watch for these warning signs
If you feel like you or someone else may be struggling, watch for these signs. If symptoms occur over a period of time, you may want to seek assistance.
- You have trouble sleeping and don’t feel rested when you do sleep.
- You can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how hard you try.
- You lost your appetite or can’t stop eating.
- Others point out that you seem irritable, short-tempered or more aggressive than usual.
- You’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in reckless behaviors.
- You have thoughts that life is not worth living.
Support is just a click away
If you’re struggling to help a loved one with ASD, it’s okay to ask for help. Cisco offers mental health resources and support through Live and Work Well, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) vendor.
Visit liveandworkwell.com (access code: Cisco). Select Mind and Body from the drop-down menu and click on Mental Health.
Or, call the EAP and get connected to resources that can help: 800-718-8435.
Care Compass:
ASD requires not just a change in your perspective, but also in daily habits and needs. Let’s take a look at some of the accommodations that may be needed so you know what to expect.