Autism, Insurance, and Discrimination: The Effect of an Autism Diagnosis on Behavior-Analytic Services.

This paper discusses variables contributing to behavior analysis's growth within the autism community and the effect of an autism diagnosis on behavior-analytic services and access to those services. Recent insurance reforms in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands require insurance companies to offer, or cover, behavior-analytic services to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. However, despite many benefits associated with increased coverage for individuals with autism, potential limitations exist, such as age and disability discrimination. Furthermore, this paper examines factors influencing the growing number of behavior analysts practicing in the area of autism and steps to ensure the field's growth beyond autism.